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PH Coast Guard modernization pushed amid online attacks, mockery

Philippine News Agency

By Zaldy De Layola
November 3, 2025, 2:34 pm

MANILA -- Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday amplified the need to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as he condemned the mockery and attacks against the organization online.

"The brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard should be celebrated, not attacked, ridiculed, or mocked," Adiong said, as he urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass House Bill (HB) No. 5552.

Filed on Oct. 14, 2025 by Adiong, HB No. 5552 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9993 or the "Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009."

Adiong said HB 5552 offers a comprehensive reform to empower the PCG as the nation's unbreakable shield in safeguarding maritime sovereignty, marine resources, and the safety of Filipino seafarers especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The proposed legislation delivers modernization and support to the PCG, including:

- A streamlined, Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police-aligned rank and promotion system;
- Strengthened functional commands for maritime safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement;
- Deputization of Filipino fishermen as Bantay Dagat Auxiliary Patrol Officers with hazard pay, insurance, and equipment;
- Full scholarships for children of PCG personnel killed in the line of duty;
- Parity in pay, allowances, and retirement benefits with the AFP.

"This bill is a tribute to the courage of our coast guard and a rebuke to those who belittle their sacrifice," Adiong said. "We will not allow disinformation, mockery, or silence to erode our claim to what is rightfully ours."

Adiong said the PCG has been a target of online mockery and disinformation due to its statements against China's harassment and aggressive actions in the WPS.

Without mentioning names, Adiong urged the public to remain vigilant against personalities who amplify China's propaganda, downplay aggression in the WPS, and ridicule the PCG's lawful defense of Philippine waters.

"Nakakalungkot po na isipin na may Pilipino na nagpapagamit sa naratibo laban sa ating magigiting na miyembro ng Philippine Coast Guard —dapat po nating labanan ang fake news na kanilang pinapakalat (It's sad to think that there are Filipinos who support the narratives against our brave members of the Philippine Coast Guard —we should act against the fake news they are spreading)," he said. (PNA)