The House Committee on Transportation, led by Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, approved House Bill (HB) 11433 on Wednesday. The bill seeks to introduce key policy and organizational reforms in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Once enacted, HB 11433 will be known as the “Revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Law” and will amend several provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9993, or the original PCG Law.
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, the committee’s vice chairperson and principal author of the bill, presided over the meeting. He explained that the proposed measure aims to clarify the powers of key PCG officers, establish clearer categories for PCG personnel, create a standardized ranking system, and implement a structured disciplinary and retirement benefits framework.
In addition, HB 11433 seeks to enhance the PCG’s capabilities in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan appealed to House members for support in passing the bill, highlighting its importance in addressing longstanding structural and operational issues within the Coast Guard. “We are very hopeful that this much-needed measure, which will enhance our organizational reforms, will receive due consideration,” he stated.
During the meeting, Acting Director of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Atty. Trisha Baraan, raised concerns regarding potential duplication in the emergency and medical assistance provisions outlined in the bill. “The PCG already operates a hospital funded under the General Appropriations Act, so the inclusion of emergency medical assistance may not be necessary,” Baraan noted.
However, Admiral Gavan urged the DBM to reconsider its stance. He emphasized the need for broader medical support for PCG personnel, given the vast distribution of Coast Guard members across the Philippines. “While we have a hospital in the National Capital Region, it is insufficient to meet the medical needs of personnel in the provinces. Therefore, it is practical and necessary to have an emergency medical fund to address these needs,” he explained.
He further stressed that unlike the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), Coast Guard personnel often pay for their medical expenses, despite facing significant risks in the line of duty. “It is only fair that we receive medical support from the government, as we are regularly exposed to dangerous situations,” Gavan added.
Rep. Madrona acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that additional deliberations will take place to refine the bill before it is presented to the plenary for approval.
The proposed measure has garnered support from several government agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the PNP Maritime Group, the PCG Retirees Association, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, the Civil Service Commission, and the National Security Council, all of whom recognize the importance of the bill in improving the PCG’s operations and welfare.
