Bill strengthening PH Coast Guard hurdles House

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

The bill proposes the creation of a PCG Modernization Trust Fund. (File Photo: Philippine Navy via PNA)

MANILA – The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a measure seeking to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in ensuring maritime safety, maritime security and marine environmental protection.

During Thursday’s plenary session, a total of 183 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 10841, which proposes policy and organizational reforms to make the PCG more responsive in its mandates.

There was no negative vote and no abstention.

The bill proposes the creation of a PCG Modernization Trust Fund.

It also intends to beef up the force by increasing the minimum manning level of the PCG from the current one uniformed personnel per kilometer of coastline to three uniformed personnel.

It would also align the ranks, positions, pay and benefits of PCG members to those of their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The proposed law also seeks to create the Office of Coast Guard Attaché, as well as the Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service to maintain accountability in government service.