HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader, ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo, reiterated that a bill modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a “vital measure” amid threats in the country’s maritime territories, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This developed as the House of Representatives on Wednesday has approved on second reading the House Bill 10841 that seeks to improve the PCG’s organizational and operational frameworks, making it more responsive to maritime security concerns.
The bill seeks to provide the PCG with P5 billion in annual appropriations while also allowing it to receive loans and grants from local or foreign sources to boost modernization efforts.
“At a time when our nation faces increasing challenges in safeguarding our maritime territory, this bill ensures that the PCG is equipped with the tools and resources to fulfill its mandate effectively,” Tulfo, one of the authors of the bill said in his sponsorship speech on Wednesday.
“The importance of maritime security cannot be overstated. Everyone knows full well how much our fisherfolk and PCG personnel have suffered over the past few months because of the harassment and aggressive maneuvers of the Chinese Coast Guard in our very waters,” Tulfo added.
Aside from his collegues in the ACT-CIS partylist Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, among the proponents of the HB 10841 were no less than Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Tingog partylist Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre; Reps. Johnny Ty Pimentel, Khymer Adan T. Olaso, Arnie B. Fuentebella, Albert S. Garcia, Michael L. Romero, Rufus B. Rodriguez, Eric M. Martinez, Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela, Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva, and Ralph Wendel P. Tulfo.
“Firm in our stance against these unlawful acts but from the perspective of diplomacy and international support, we remained committed to enhancing instead our defense and surveillance capabilities and strengthening the coordination between government agencies and international partners. This bill is a culmination of such efforts,” Tulfo noted.
“By empowering the PCG, this legislation reinforces our commitment to assert our sovereignty and protect our maritime waters, ensuring the safety of our fishermen and coastal communities,” he also said.
Tulfo also explained that with modernized assets, enhanced personnel training, and improved funding mechanisms, the PCG will be better positioned to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats.
“In our ongoing fight to assert our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, House Bill No. 10841 is both timely and necessary. It strengthens the PCG’s role as the first line of defense in maritime security while positioning the Philippines as a responsible maritime nation,” Tulfo averred.
