The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday welcomed the Senate’s approval of the proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law, calling it another step toward a stronger, more capable, and future-ready institution.

In a statement, the PCG said the passage of the bill marks a significant legislative milestone toward strengthening its mandate, organizational capabilities, and institutional framework.

The agency said the measure would enable it to become more capable, responsive, and prepared to fulfill its roles in maritime safety, maritime security, law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and the protection of the country’s maritime interests.

The chamber approved the measure, Senate Bill 2116, with 19 affirmative votes and zero abstentions on Tuesday.

The bill reorganizes the PCG into functional, support, and technical commands, along with 17 Coast Guard districts nationwide, while setting clearer rules on ranks, appointments, and promotions.

It also mandates the establishment of a PCG Academy within five years and provides personnel with base pay, hazard pay, and other benefits corresponding to Armed Forces of the Philippines ranks, along with longevity pay, medical assistance, retirement and disability benefits, and survivorship benefits for the families of personnel killed in the line of duty.

It said the passage of the bill reflects the strong support of the Senate for the continued development and institutional strengthening of the agency.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, principal sponsor of the bill, said the measure would give the PCG the legal muscle and institutional support needed to guard the country’s waters, ensuring its personnel’s ranks, career structure, and pay grades are at par with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Senator Lito Lapid, one of the bill’s authors, said strengthening the PCG is necessary since uniformed personnel are repeatedly called upon during crises and in defending Philippine waters and sovereignty. (PNA)