President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12122, setting a fixed three-year term for the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Under the law, the PCG Commandant will hold the rank of Coast Guard Admiral and will be appointed by the President from among the Flag Officers in the PCG Service. The appointed commandant must have a command-at-sea badge and prior experience serving as a PCG District Commander.

“The Commandant shall have a maximum term of three (3) years, which shall commence on the date the appointment is signed, unless sooner terminated by the President,” the law states.

It further specifies that the PCG Commandant will be subject to mandatory retirement upon completing the maximum term or if relieved by the President.

This legislation amends Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9993, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009.

The newly signed law, released on Wednesday, will take effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette or at least one newspaper of general circulation.