THE House Committee on Transportation, chaired by Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, on Wednesday approved House Bill (HB) 11433 which seeks to introduce policy and organizational reforms in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
HB 11433 which shall be entitled the “Revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Law” when enacted, would amend certain provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9993, or the PCG Law.
Presiding over the meeting was committee vice chairperson Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, who also authored the measure. He explained that he is pushing the measure to clarify the powers of key PCG officers, categorize PCG personnel properly, classify PCG ranks and establish a structured disciplinary and retirement benefits system.
HB 11433 also aims to enhance the PCG’s capability in maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan sought the support of House members for the passage of the bill to address longstanding structural and operational gaps in the PCG.
“We are very, very hopeful that this measure, which is very necessary to enhance our policy and organizational initiatives to reform, will be given due course,” he said
Department of Budget Management Acting Director Atty. Trisha Baraan raised her concern about duplication of emergency and medical assistance, as provided in the bill.
“PCG already has a hospital that is funded under the GAA, so baka hindi na po kailangan ang Emergency and Medical Assistance in the bill,” Baraan said.
Gavan asked that the DBM reconsider its position, stressing the need for broader medical support.
“We are really appealing to have that provision included considering that the Philippine Coast Guard is broadly dispersed across the archipelago. While we might have a hospital in the National Capital Region, it cannot address the needs of our people in the countryside. So it is more practical, it is more responsive to have an emergency medical fund to cover the needs of the people,” he said.
“In contrast to that being enjoyed or availed of by the AFP and the PNP, all coast guard personnel are spending their own money to look after their medical needs or health needs, anywhere in the country. We are the least supported in terms of, or in fact, almost not supported, insofar as our medical needs are concerned. We are only enjoying the medical support being availed of by the regular citizens of this country. Those who are not subjected to harm’s way. So I think it is equitable for us to have some support from the government because we are expected to go the harm’s way,” Gavan added.
Madrona noted that further deliberations will be conducted to refine the proposed measure before it is presented to the plenary for the House’s approval.
Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Hector Villacorta and other resource persons from the PNP Maritime Group, PCG Retirees Association, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, Civil Service Commission and the National Security Council have all expressed support for the intent of the bill.
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