House approves on third reading bill on strengthening PCG

House of Representatives plenary. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The bill seeking to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in connection to the execution of its mandates on maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection was approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading on Thursday.

During the plenary session on Thursday, House Bill No. 10841, or an act strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard (Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law) by introducing policy and organizational reforms was approved with 183 members voting in the affirmative, zero negative votes, and zero abstention.

READ: Estrada wants more funds for PH Coast Guard

Under the bill, PCG “shall continue to be attached to the Department of Transportation.” However, in times of war, the agency will be attached to the Department of National Defense.

It likewise “provides the uniformed personnel of the PCG to receive the same base pay, hazard pay, and other benefits and allowances corresponding to the salary grades and ranks in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Aside from these, the measure also seeks the creation of a modernization trust fund for the agency.