PCG modernization takes one step further under House measure

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15, 2021): PCG modernization takes one step further under House measure (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

A measure providing for the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has hurdled the committee level at the House of Representatives.

In an online meeting on Monday, the Committee on Ways and Means approved without amendments the tax provisions of the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bills 4286 and 4287.

The substitute measure aims to revise Republic Act 9993 or the “PCG Law of 2009" that would reform and reorganize the PCG.

Zambales Representative Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, author of HB 4287, said RA 9993 contains ambiguous provisions and that recent developments in the maritime sector necessitate a review of the existing law to make the PCG more responsive to its current needs.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda, committee chair, said a strong Coast Guard would not only complement Customs enforcement, but also ensure that the country's territorial waters are guarded.

"The moment smuggled goods penetrate our waters, there's very little we can do in the ports where we do not have enforcement. Of course, strong and random inspections among private ports will also be critical. But we can only watch out for so much," Salceda said during the meeting.

Salceda also lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for complying with the committee’s requests to intensify the fight against smuggling in petroleum products.

He also called on the agency to strengthen enforcement efforts further “as when commodity prices increase, the incentive to smuggle also increases”.

“I am thankful to the Bureau of Customs for complying with this committee’s request on February 2021 to strengthen the country’s anti-smuggling efforts on petroleum. I noted earlier this year that the gap between exports to the country and imports of the country is narrowing, a sign that smuggling efforts are getting more effective. I urge the BOC to go harder at smuggling as oil price increases,” Salceda said.

The BOC reported that it has undertaken various measures, including issuance of a memorandum requiring more information in declaring goods; a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between BOC and the Department of Energy on Data Sharing particularly on prior Oil Import Advise; a MOA with the PCG on Joint Maritime Patrols using the active vessels of the PCG; procurement of 20 patrol boats for exclusive BOC Maritime Patrol; and the continued implementation of the fuel marking program.

“Most of the smuggling likely happens in private ports. So, it is crucial that we work with the PCG. I also laud strengthening the BOC Maritime Patrol,” Salceda said.

Salceda requested updates on the efforts that the tax panel urged the BOC to take earlier this year, involving ecozone smuggling, tobacco illicit trade, and food smuggling.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159812