House approves bill modernizing Philippine Coast Guard

The House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 10841, aiming to strengthen and modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The bill, passed with 183 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions, proposes policy and organizational reforms to make the PCG more responsive in its mandates on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

It establishes the PCG Modernization Trust Fund, sourced from various fees, charges, and proceeds from asset disposal, and allows the PCG to receive loans and grants from local or foreign sources.

Under the proposed law, the PCG will remain attached to the Department of Transportation but will be transferred to the Department of National Defense during times of war.

Uniformed personnel of the PCG will receive compensation and benefits equivalent to those of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The bill also seeks to reinforce the PCG's patrolling efforts by increasing the minimum manning level from one uniformed personnel per kilometer of coastline to three.

Additionally, the proposed law seeks to create the Office of Coast Guard Attaché and the Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service to maintain accountability.