MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo is continuing to push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2116, or the proposed “Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law,” which seeks to strengthen the ranks and organizational structure of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services and serves as Auxiliary Rear Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Executive Squadron, sponsored the measure before the Senate on May 6.

According to Tulfo, the proposed bill aims to bolster the manpower capabilities of the PCG by allowing the agency to recruit more personnel to improve its operations in maritime safety services, marine environmental protection, and maritime security law enforcement.

“Kung gaano sila kasipag gampanan ang kanilang trabaho, nakita ko rin ang maraming kakulangan upang maiangat ang estado ng mga tauhan at imahe ng institusyong ito,” he said.

“This is the very reason why I am here today to sponsor the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law. While the PCG is the oldest coast guard in Southeast Asia at 125 years old, there remains critical gaps in their governing law that we aim to address through this landmark measure,” he added.

Tulfo said the measure also seeks to address disparities in salaries and benefits received by PCG personnel and officers compared to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

He added that once enacted into law, the bill would expand the powers of the PCG in several areas, including the removal of shipwrecks, enforcement of anti-terrorism measures in Philippine waters, and recommending assistance from the military when necessary.

The senator also said the proposed law would allow the PCG to enter into international agreements.

Tulfo stressed that the bill is necessary to help the PCG acquire assets equipped with advanced technology to meet growing demands in maritime security and marine environmental protection.

He also urged fellow senators to support the measure, saying it would strengthen the organization of the PCG and recognize the service and sacrifices of coast guard personnel, especially those stationed in the West Philippine Sea.

“The men and women of the PCG embody the best of the Filipino spirit – undaunted by challenge, undeterred by danger, and united in our purpose to serve the nation, and they deserve to have a stronger structural organization,” Tulfo said.