Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday called on the government to grant health cards to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, stressing the need for dependable medical coverage while the PCG General Hospital remains unfinished.
During the Senate’s 2026 budget deliberations, Tulfo said Coast Guard members—especially those deployed in the volatile West Philippine Sea—must have peace of mind as they face daily risks.
“Three years pa pala bago matapos ang hospital nila. Dapat mabigyan po itong mga Coast Guard personnel natin ng parang health card para naman po may peace of mind ’yung mga sundalo natin habang naka-deploy sa West Philippine Sea,” he said.
The PCG General Hospital is expected to be completed in 2028 and will serve personnel and their families.
Tulfo, a PCG Auxiliary Commodore, emphasized how even minor health issues at home can distract deployed personnel.
“Mahirap po ’yun. Nasa karagatan ka, tatawag si misis mo… ‘si bunso, may sakit’—anong gagawin ko? Medyo madi-distract ako,” he noted.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito confirmed that PCG members are currently relying solely on PhilHealth coverage, and that the agency’s proposed Emergency Medical Fund for 2026 was rejected by the DBM and excluded from the NEP.
Given the hazards faced by PCG personnel, Tulfo said the current setup is inadequate.
“They’re working out there in the West Philippine Sea, binabangga-bangga ’yung kanilang mga barko. Baka ma-disgrasya pa,” he warned.
He insisted the government must act: “This is a serious matter. Kailangan po siguro talagang gawan natin ng paraan na mabigyan ng medical coverage ang every Coast Guard personnel.”