A new measure in Congress seeks to reinforce the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at a time when debate continues over its future role in defending the West Philippine Sea.
Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima filed House Bill No. 5131, which lays out a plan to overhaul the PCG’s structure and boost its capacity to protect Philippine waters. Her proposal comes just days after Cavite Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga suggested scrapping the agency and transferring its duties to other units of government.
De Lima argued that the Coast Guard needs stronger support, not dissolution, as the country faces heightened maritime challenges. According to her, the bill would help the PCG better respond to “emerging maritime threats, increasing international obligations, and rapid developments in the maritime domain” that are stretching the agency’s present capabilities.
The measure seeks to create three main operational divisions: Maritime Safety Services, Marine Environmental Protection, and Maritime Security Law Enforcement. It also outlines a long-term modernization program that would cover new vessels, aircraft, communications systems, and maritime monitoring technology.
Coast Guard personnel would receive salaries and benefits aligned with those of the military and national police. The agency would also be allowed to hire more technical experts, including doctors, lawyers, and environmental specialists.
De Lima stressed the need to give the PCG the backing it deserves, noting the dangers faced by its personnel while patrolling the country’s seas. She called for both institutional and moral support “since the PCG men and women constantly face risks and dangers in their mandate to patrol our territory and marine resources.”
The bill also includes provisions for international cooperation, oil spill response systems, enhanced disaster coordination, and the creation of an Internal Affairs Service to reinforce accountability.
Barzaga’s earlier comments questioning the PCG’s efficiency sparked backlash from maritime advocates, who warned that weakening the institution would undermine Philippine sovereignty efforts in the West Philippine Sea.
