It was for this reason that Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona filed
HB 5112 or “An Act modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard, creating for the
purpose the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Trust Fund and appropriating
funds therefor.”
“Aside from maintaining presence within out territorial
waters, it is equally vital for the country to be able to protect its fishing
industry and people traversing the internal waters of the Philippines
Unfortunately, the author lamented, the capability of the
PCG, compared to coast guards of the country’s neighbors in the ASEAN region,
is just below par.
“Admiringly, despite its inadequate capabilities, the PCG
has continued to perform its mandates with intensity and enthusiasm,” Madrona
stressed.
He added that the dedication and commitment of PCG personnel
as rescuers and law-enforcers could be further enhanced if technologically
improved material capabilities are introduced and integrated into the coast
guard organization and systems.
Under Republic Act No. 9993, also known as the “Philippine
Coast Guard Law of 2009,” the PCG is tasked primarily to enforce applicable
laws within Philippine waters, conduct maritime security operations, safeguard
life and property at sea, and protect the marine environment and resources, the
author stressed.
Madrona further noted that the PCG is attached to the
Department of Transportation and Communications, and currently maintains a
presence throughout the archipelago with 12 coast guard (CG) districts, 63 CG
stations and 238 CG detachments from Basco, Batanes in the north to Bongo,
Tawi-Tawi.in the south.
“The PCG, despite its very limited resources, has continued
to discharge its functions,” Madrona noted.
Madrona emphasized that in order to address the concerns of
the PCG, there is need for a modernization plan and program that would enhance
its capabilities to guard effectively the entire Philippine archipelago, its
territorial waters and coastlines.
The modernization program components include: 1)
organization development; 2) Professionalization of its human resources; 3)
doctrinal development; 4) infrastructure development; and 5) equipment and
facilities acquisition and modernization.
The PCG Modernization Trust Fund to be administered by the
DOTC Secretary shall be used exclusively for the PCG modernization program,
excluding salaries and allowances.
The funds to be appropriated by Congress shall be treated as
a distinct and separate budget item from the regular appropriations for the PCG
and shall be administered by the DOTC Secretary.
The proposed program shall be based on a ceiling of
PHP50-billion for the first five 5 years, and thereafter, may be increased
commensurate to the increase in the gross national product (GNP).
A Joint congressional Oversight Committee is also created to
monitor and oversee the implementation of the provisions of the proposed Act
which is under consideration by the House Committee on Transportation chaired
by Cesar V. Sarmiento of Catanduanes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=777298
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.