Coast

Revising PCG law

January 22, 2025 People's Tonight 118 views

THE 24-member Senate has passed on third and final reading a proposed legislation seeking to revise the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) law.

Described as “very timely,” the revision of the PCG law is aimed at strengthening the agency, which is under the Department of Transportation.

The PCG, headed by an admiral, is mandated to perform search and rescue operations in various parts of the Philippines, an archipelago.

This impoverished Southeast Asian nation of 120 million people, the Philippiunes is composed of more than seven thousand islands and islets.

That’s why the PCG plays a vital role in maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, and environmental protection and security.

Today, the PCG is always in the limelight because of China’s aggressive behavior in the mineral resources-rich West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The proposed law seeks to strengthen PCG by introducing far-reaching policy and organizational reforms.

The reforms include the setting of a fixed term of office for the PCG commandant, according to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

In a statement, Escudero said the proposed three-year fixed term of office of the PCG head would provide stability to the service.

“Given the situation we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, it is in our best interest to ensure that we have some level of continuity in the leadership of the PCG,” he said.

Efforts to strengthen the PCG deserve the support of the Filipino people, including the ordinary citizens across the country.

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