MANILA – The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure seeking to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in ensuring maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection.
During the plenary session, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 10841, which proposes policy and organizational reforms to make the PCG more responsive in its mandates.
The bill proposes the creation of a PCG Modernization Trust Fund which will be used to fund the modernization.
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. (PNA)