Modernizing PCG is the only key to protect our territorial waters -- Madrona

From the Philippine News Agency (Ju1 1): Modernizing PCG is the only key to protect our territorial waters -- Madrona

Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona wants to strengthen the capabilities of our own Coast Guard to secure the country’s 36,000-kilometer coastline, as well as territorial waters.

This after China’s current aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea who insists they own the disputed area despite evidences presented by the Philippine government which they did not recognized.

The senior House leader said modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) under his House Bill 5112, or “An Act modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard, Creating for the Purpose the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Trust Fund and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” will solve the problem.

Under the measure, the modernization program components include organization development, professionalization of its human resources; doctrinal development, infrastructure development and equipment and facilities acquisition and modernization.

The veteran lawmaker said the proposed program shall be based on a ceiling of Php50 billion for the first five years, and thereafter, may be increased commensurate to the increase in the gross national product.

“The PCG Modernization Trust Fund to be administered by the transportation secretary shall be used exclusively for the PCG modernization program, excluding salaries and allowances,” the Romblon solon said in his bill.

 

“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,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=778158