The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found a solid ally amid calls online to abolish the maritime agency and a wave of disinformation targeting its operations.

No less than Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez has come out strongly in defense of the PCG, calling it an “indispensable pillar of national security.”

“We stand firmly with the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard. Hindi biro ang trabaho nila (Their job is no easy task). They face real risks every single day to protect our maritime borders and uphold our sovereignty,” Lopez said as he emphasized the DOTr’s support for the PCG.

The PCG is an attached agency of the DOTr.

“The Coast Guard is essential to our maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Hindi puwedeng i-abolish ang institusyong nagbabantay sa ating karagatan (The institution that guards our seas cannot be abolished),” Lopez said.

The statement came as House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong denounced online mockery targeting the PCG and filed House Bill No. 5552, which seeks to modernize the country’s Coast Guard service.

Earlier, Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga called for the abolition of the PCG due to alleged corruption and claimed that the agency “will become the cause of World War III” for supposedly escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Both allegations were slammed by the PCG, calling them “unfair.”

Aside from defending the WPS, the PCG is also an important component in the country's humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) as they are the first responders during calamities. Thousands of residents  were rescued from deadly flooding by Coast Guard personnel Typhoon Tino wrought havoc in Visayas and Mindanao.

Lopez denounced attempts to discredit the PCG, stressing that misinformation against the agency “undermines national security” and erodes public confidence in institutions that protect the nation’s sovereignty.

“Ridiculing them or spreading fake news about their work only undermines national security. Instead, we should all support them,” he noted.

He also voiced the DOTr’s “full support” for HB 5552, saying the measure will “provide the long-overdue resources, benefits, and recognition deserved by the Coast Guard.”

To help address the spread of false information, Lopez said the DOTr has been coordinating closely with the PCG’s Public Affairs Office, the Presidential Communications Office, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to ensure timely, accurate public updates on maritime developments.

“Misinformation is not just an online issue — it’s a national concern. We need to be united in protecting truth and trust,” he said.

To further boost morale within the ranks, Lopez said the DOTr is rolling out programs to improve training, equipment, and welfare support for Coast Guard personnel, who continue to perform critical missions in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection.

“The DOTr stands behind them, and the Filipino people should too. Every insult they receive online, we answer with stronger institutional support,” he said. “When we defend them, we defend our sovereignty.”