Manila: The Senate Committee on Public Services on Thursday reopened discussions on the proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) law. Senator Raffy Tulfo, serving as the committee chairperson, initiated the move to adopt the records and proceedings on the measure from the previous Congress.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Tulfo highlighted the importance of conserving government time and resources, noting that the bill had already undergone extensive deliberations and was approved on the third and final reading in the Senate during the 19th Congress. However, its counterpart in the House of Representatives did not progress past the same stage. Tulfo emphasized the motion to incorporate all records and proceedings related to the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law from the 19th Congress into the official records for the 20th Congress, allowing for further inputs and refinement.

With unanimous agreement from the committee members, the motion was adopted, enabling the panel to proceed with Senate Bill Nos. 147, 359, 438, 910, and 1142. These bills collectively aim to strengthen the mandate and capacity of the PCG. Key objectives include aligning the PCG’s ranks, positions, and benefits with those of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, and increasing manpower to three personnel per kilometer of coastline from the current ratio of one.

The proposed legislation also seeks to broaden the Coast Guard’s authority in ensuring maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and territorial defense. This comes amid increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the PCG’s responsibilities include safeguarding Filipino fisherfolk, deterring illegal fishing and smuggling, and responding to maritime emergencies. Lawmakers highlighted the critical need to equip the service to more effectively fulfill its mandate.