Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Law, or Senate Bill 2116 after it was approved the existing Republic Act 9993, or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, has become outdated in addressing the evolving demands of maritime safety, security, law enforcement, environmental protection, and emergency response.

Efficient sea guardians

The proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law seeks to strengthen the organizational structure of the PCG and provide clearer mechanisms for the agency to carry out its expanding responsibilities more effectively and efficiently.

Go likewise welcomed provisions that would improve the compensation of PCG personnel by adjusting their base pay to bring it on par with that of their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“It is important that our uniformed personnel receive proper compensation for their sacrifices to our country. During former President Duterte’s administration, we made it a priority to double the entry-level salaries of military and uniformed personnel as recognition of their service,” Go said.

He stressed that adequate compensation is an important component of recognizing the sacrifices of uniformed personnel who perform demanding duties, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

Go also reiterated his call for the passage of a separate measure, SBN 682, or the proposed PCG Modernization Law, which he filed to modernize the equipment, facilities, capabilities and resources of the PCG.