Senate panel revives deliberations on Revised Coast Guard law
Philippine News Agency
By Wilnard Bacelonia
September 18, 2025, 4:03 pm
MANILA -- The Senate Committee on Public Services on Thursday reopened discussions on the proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) law.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, committee chairperson, moved to adopt the records and proceedings on the measure from the previous Congress.
He said this would save time and resources since the bill had already been extensively deliberated and approved on third and final reading in the Senate during the 19th Congress, although its counterpart at the House of Representatives failed to hurdle the same stage.
"In the interest of conserving valuable government time and resources, I move that all records and proceedings related to the measure on the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law from the 19th Congress be adopted and made part of the official records of the Committee on Public Services for the 20th Congress, without prejudice to further inputs and refinement," Tulfo said.
With no objection from members, the motion was adopted and the panel proceeded to tackle Senate Bill Nos. 147, 359, 438, 910, and 1142, all seeking to strengthen the mandate and capacity of the PCG.
The bills aim to align the PCG's ranks, positions, and benefits with those of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, while increasing manpower to three personnel per kilometer of coastline from the current ratio of one.
It also seeks to expand the Coast Guard's authority in ensuring maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and territorial defense.
Amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG's role includes safeguarding Filipino fisherfolk, deterring illegal fishing and smuggling, and responding to maritime emergencies.
Lawmakers underscored the urgency of equipping the service to carry out its mandate more effectively. (PNA)
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