JUNE 29, 2015

NR # 3880B

Modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard, a must - Madrona

Chinas current aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea only highlights the
countrys need to modernize its capabilities to guard its 36,000-kilometer coastline and
territorial waters.
It was for this reason that Hon. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona filed HB 5112 or An
Act modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard, creating for the purpose the Philippine Coast
Guard Modernization Trust Fund and appropriating funds therefor.
Aside from maintaining presence within out territorial waters, it is equally vital for
the country to be able to protect its fishing industry and people traversing the internal
waters of the Philippines, Madrona pointed out.
Unfortunately, the author lamented, the capability of the PCG, compared to coast
guards of the countrys neighbors in the ASEAN region, is just below par.
Admiringly, despite its inadequate capabilities, the PCG has continued to perform
its mandates with intensity and enthusiasm, Madrona stressed.
He added that the dedication and commitment of PCG personnel as rescuers and
law-enforcers could be further enhanced if technologically improved material capabilities
are introduced and integrated into the coast guard organization and systems.
Under Republic Act No. 9993, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law of
2009, the PCG is tasked primarily to enforce applicable laws within Philippine waters,
conduct maritime security operations, safeguard life and property at sea, and protect the
marine environment and resources, the author stressed.
Madrona further noted that the PCG is attached to the Department of Transportation
and Communications, and currently maintains a presence throughout the archipelago with
twelve (12) coast guard (CG) districts, sixty-three (63) CG stations and two hundred thirty
eight (238) CG detachments from Basco, Batanes in the north to Bongo, Tawi-Tawi.in the
south.
The PCG, despite its very limited resources, has continued to discharge its
functions, Madrona noted.
Madrona emphasized that in order to address the concerns of the PCG, there is need
for a modernization plan and program that would enhance its capabilities to guard
effectively the entire Philippine archipelago, its territorial waters and coastlines.

The modernization program components include: 1) organization development; 2)

Professionalization of its human resources; 3) doctrinal development; 4) infrastructure
development; and 5) equipment and facilities acquisition and modernization.
The PCG Modernization Trust Fund to be administered by the DOTC Secretary
shall be used exclusively for the PCG modernization program, excluding salaries and
allowances.
The funds to be appropriated by Congress shall be treated as a distinct and separate
budget item from the regular appropriations for the PCG and shall be administered by the
DOTC Secretary.
The proposed program shall be based on a ceiling of P50-Billion for the first five
(5) years, and thereafter, may be increased commensurate to the increase in the gross
national product (GNP).
A Joint congressional Oversight Committee is also created to monitor and oversee
the implementation of the provisions of the proposed Act which is under consideration by
the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Hon. Cesar V. Sarmiento of
Catanduanes. (30) dpt