Senate OKs fixed term for Coast Guard chief
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Senate OKs fixed term for Coast Guard chief
MANILA -- Twenty-one senators voted to approve on third and final reading House Bill 10841 to give a fixed term to the Philippine Coast Guard chief.
MANILA -- Twenty-one senators voted to approve on third and final reading House Bill 10841 to give a fixed term to the Philippine Coast Guard chief.
The bill, as amended by the Senate, amends Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 .
The bill, as amended by the Senate, amends Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 .
Under the bill, the PCG shall be headed by a Commandant who shall carry the rank of Coast Guard Admiral provided, that he or she shall be appointed by the President from among the Flag Officers in the Coast Guard service. He or She shall hold a command-at-sea badge and must have served as a District Commander of the PCG.
Under the bill, the PCG shall be headed by a Commandant who shall carry the rank of Coast Guard Admiral provided, that he or she shall be appointed by the President from among the Flag Officers in the Coast Guard service. He or She shall hold a command-at-sea badge and must have served as a District Commander of the PCG.
The Commandant shall have a maximum term of three years, which shall commence on the date the appointment is signed, unless sooner terminated by the President. The PCG Commandant shall be compulsorily retired upon the completion of the maximum term or upon relief by the President.
The Commandant shall have a maximum term of three years, which shall commence on the date the appointment is signed, unless sooner terminated by the President. The PCG Commandant shall be compulsorily retired upon the completion of the maximum term or upon relief by the President.
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Senators explained their reasons for backing the bill, principally about making the leadership of the agency stable.
Senators explained their reasons for backing the bill, principally about making the leadership of the agency stable.
"By setting a fixed three-year term for the Commandant akin to the tenure of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this measure brings stability to the leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard. A fixed term will allow the Commandant to focus on long-term programs and reforms instead of being hampered by uncertainties in tenure. It also maintains stringent qualifications for the role, ensuring that only the most capable individuals lead this vital institution. Through this measure, we are not only strengthening the leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard, but also empowering its men and women to perform their duties under clear and stable guidance,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said.
"By setting a fixed three-year term for the Commandant akin to the tenure of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this measure brings stability to the leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard. A fixed term will allow the Commandant to focus on long-term programs and reforms instead of being hampered by uncertainties in tenure. It also maintains stringent qualifications for the role, ensuring that only the most capable individuals lead this vital institution. Through this measure, we are not only strengthening the leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard, but also empowering its men and women to perform their duties under clear and stable guidance,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said.
"With the passage of this measure, we will have continuity of leadership, a definitive term that allows the Commandant to fully implement maritime security plans, infrastructure projects, and modernization programs without the risk of abrupt leadership changes. Number two, we'll have institutional independence by insulating the position, as mentioned by our good Senate President Pro Tempore, from undue political interference. We strengthen the autonomy and integrity of the Philippine Coast Guard, allowing it to focus solely on its mandate. And most importantly, it will achieve a strategic modernization program,” Senator Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said in his vote explanation.
"With the passage of this measure, we will have continuity of leadership, a definitive term that allows the Commandant to fully implement maritime security plans, infrastructure projects, and modernization programs without the risk of abrupt leadership changes. Number two, we'll have institutional independence by insulating the position, as mentioned by our good Senate President Pro Tempore, from undue political interference. We strengthen the autonomy and integrity of the Philippine Coast Guard, allowing it to focus solely on its mandate. And most importantly, it will achieve a strategic modernization program,” Senator Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said in his vote explanation.
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