Created this thread to track its progress
Approval sought for bill that will help modernize Philippine Coast Guard |
Business World Online - 30 June 2015
Melissa Luz T. Lopez
A LAWMAKER yesterday pressed for the approval of a measure seeking to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in view of the rising tension over the West Philippine Sea.
House Bill 5112, filed by Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, seeks to upgrade the Coast Guard’s capability to strengthen the country’s support especially in light of the West Philippine Sea dispute.
Besides maintaining its presence within the country’s territorial waters, it is equally important for the country to protect its fishing industry and citizens traversing its internal waters, Mr. Madrona said in a statement sent yesterday.
The PCG will be tasked to craft a 15-year modernization program in increasing security measures for the 36,000-kilometer local coastline.
Under the bill, a Modernization Trust Fund will be put up to finance the additional equipment for the forces. It will be sourced from budget allocations from Congress, as well as from the sale or rental payments for properties under the agency’s custody.
The modernization fund is eyed to have as much as P50 billion of funding for the first five years.
<Edited>
If approved, the funds will be used to upgrade the country’s 12 Coast Guard districts to improve maritime security operations and protection of marital environment and resources.
The equipment and skill upgrades shall be geared towards hastening response time, increasing maritime zone security, and trimming pollution within Philippine waters.
Copy of
House Bill 1199 filed on 05 July 2016.
