Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, thanked Senator Win Gatchalian for supporting Coast Guard modernization by filing Senate Bill No. 2516 or the PCG Modernization Act once enacted into law.

"This will enable us to fulfill our mandates. The PCG is not only a maritime agency in charge of managing the sea but also a tool for national security and development," CG Admiral Gavan said.

"We need this law to be present everywhere and be capable of responding to the current challenges in the maritime sector," the Coast Guard Commandant added.

According to the Senate of the Philippines, Senate Bill No. 2516 "will provide for a modernization program to enhance PCG's assets and facilities, bolster its capabilities, and strengthen the effective implementation of its mandate under Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law."

It will also "develop a more mobile and visible Coast Guard force that will establish its vision of a 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃-𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀 by 2025, acquire and upgrade appropriate technology and equipment, and strategically improve and construct bases, installations, and other PCG facilities."

Moreover, the proposed measure also creates the 𝐏𝐂𝐆 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃 with an initial allocation of 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐒.

"It is imperative that our government provides the necessary support to have a responsive and well-equipped PCG with enhanced technical and legal capabilities in maritime safety, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and maritime environmental protection to ensure our maritime presence," Senator Gatchalian emphasized in a Senate press release issued today, 18 December 2023.

"With the advent of various maritime issues currently faced by the country, from maritime disasters and incidents such as oil spills, ship collisions, and grounding to ongoing harassment in the West Philippine Sea, there is a need to continuously modernize and enhance the capabilities of the PCG to respond to all these incidents effectively," he furthered.