A measure seeking to boost the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard's assets and facilities has been filed in the Senate amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea due to China's growing aggression over its territorial claims.

Senate Bill 2516 or the PCG Modernization Act, filed by Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday, will provide for the enhancement of PCG assets as well as bolster the capabilities of the country's coast guards. 

The measure will strengthen the effective implementation of PCG's mandate under Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law.

SB 2516 aims to develop a more mobile and visible Coast Guard force that will establish its vision of a "world-class guardian of the sea" by 2025, acquire and upgrade appropriate technology and equipment, and strategically improve and construct bases, installations, and other PCG facilities.

He lamented that tension in WPS is worsening due to China's "continuing incursions into the Philippine waters."

"It cannot be overemphasized that the PCG plays a crucial role in the country's pursuit of ensuring maritime safety and security, environmental protection and search, rescue, and disaster response," he added. 

"With the advent of various maritime issues currently faced by the country from maritime disasters and incidents such as oil spills, ship collisions, and grounding to ongoing harassment in the West Philippine Sea, there is a need to continuously modernize and enhance the capabilities of the PCG to respond to all these incidents effectively," Gatchalian said. 

Meanwhile, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, thanked Gatchalian for supporting the PCG's modernization efforts, by filing SB 2516. 

"This will enable us to fulfill our mandates. The PCG is not only a maritime agency in charge of managing the sea but also a tool for national security and development," Gavan said. 

"We need this law to be present everywhere and be capable of responding to the current challenges in the maritime sector," he added. 

Also, the proposed measure provides for the creation of the PCG Modernization Trust Fund, with an initial allocation amounting to P1 billion. 

"Given the vast expanse of the country's maritime domain, it is imperative that our government provides the necessary support to have a responsive and well-equipped PCG with enhanced technical and legal capabilities in maritime safety, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and maritime environmental protection to ensure our maritime presence," Gatchalian emphasized.

Once enacted, the senator also sees that the measure will further boost the PCG's ability to "uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights of the country, ensuring the safety and security of its maritime domain against all forms of maritime incidents and transnational crimes, among others."