House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila de Lima has filed a measure seeking to modernize and strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as the country faces escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
De Lima’s proposal, House Bill No. 5131, aims to repeal Republic Act No. 9993, or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, and replace it with a Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law that will reorganize, expand, and upgrade the PCG’s mandate, structure, and resources.
The move comes in response to Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga’s earlier call to abolish the PCG — a statement that drew sharp criticism amid rising Chinese incursions into Philippine waters.
“The PCG plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of life and property at sea and protecting the marine environment within the maritime jurisdiction of the country,” De Lima said.
“Over the past decade, however, emerging maritime threats, increasing international obligations, and rapid developments in the maritime domain have outpaced the capabilities of the PCG, necessitating a comprehensive update to its legal charter,” she noted.
She added, “By modernizing the PCG, we seek to position the Philippines as a responsible maritime nation, capable of protecting its vast maritime zones, fulfilling its international obligations, and ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of our seas.”
Under the proposed law, the PCG will be reorganized into three core functional commands:
- Maritime Safety Services Command,
- Marine Environmental Protection Command
- Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command.
The bill also seeks to expand the PCG’s personnel strength and align the salaries, ranks, and benefits of its uniformed members with those of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
It further mandates the PCG to craft a comprehensive development plan covering vessels, aircraft, navigation and communication systems, and maritime monitoring facilities, supported by funding mechanisms through grants, donations, and international partnerships.
“Araw-araw humaharap sa peligro ang hanay ng PCG sa pagbabantay sa ating teritoryo at yamang dagat, sa paghahatid ng tulong at pagprotekta sa ating mga mangingisda mula sa pambubully at pangha-harass ng dayuhang nangangamkam ng ating teritoryo, at sa pagresponde sa panahon ng sakuna. Obligasyon ng estado na protektahan at itaguyod din ang kanilang kapakanan,” De Lima said.
She emphasized, “Respeto at suporta sa pagpapatibay ng mandato ang kailangan ng ating PCG, hindi pangmamaliit, pang-aalipusta at mga paratang na walang basehan. Ang pagpapaunlad at pagpapalakas sa kanilang hanay ay pagsusulong ng lalong kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan, at ng higit na pangangalaga sa ating likas na yaman at dangal ng ating bayan.”
If enacted, the measure would mark the most comprehensive reform of the Philippine Coast Guard since its establishment as a separate agency, enhancing its capacity to protect national interests and ensure maritime security amid regional challenges.