The 

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)

- (an armed and uniformed service tasked primarily with enforcing laws within Philippine waters,
conducting maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea, and protecting
marine environment and resources; similar to coast guards around the world. The Coast Guard
also serves as an attached service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in wartime.
- It is an agency attached to the Department of Transportation of the Philippines. It currently
maintains a presence throughout the archipelago, with thirteen Coast Guard Districts, fifty-four
CG Stations and over one hundred ninety Coast Guard Sub-Stations, from Basco,
Batanes to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
- Created by RA Republic Act 9993, also known as the Coast Guard Law of 2009,

History

The Philippine Coast Guard is the oldest and only humanitarian armed service in the Philippines.
Its beginnings could be traced back to the early 20th century when coast guarding was related to the
protection of the customs services of the country and in patrolling the coastlines and harbors.
When the Americans came in 1898, one of the first steps that the military government undertook
was the reopening of the port and customs facilities of Manila. Soon after, the civilian Insular
Government, through the Philippine Commission, enacted a law on October 17, 1901 that created the
Bureau of Coast Guard and Transportation, which was placed under the Department of Commerce and
Police. The Captain of the Port was designated as Bureau Director.
Recognition of the difficulty of administering such a vast island area without reliable
government transportation resulted in the requirements to establish a transportation system for
government services. The resulting report recommended purchase of 21 small steamers to establish 21
circuits supporting communication between provincial capitals and coastal towns as well as prevent
smuggling and landing contraband. The average circuit would be 651 mi (566 nmi; 1,048 km). The
vessels required should be all weather[ of about 140 ft (42.7 m) in length capable of 10 kn (12 mph;
19 km/h) with light armament. Two small stern paddle steamers were recommended for river use on
the Cayagen River and the Rio Grande de Mindanao and connected lakes.[5] The bureau concentrated its
early days on the contracts for the fifteen vessels with the result ten were to be built by Farnham, Boyd
& Company in Shanghai, China and five by Uraga Dock Company in Uraga, Japan

Marinduque as USC&GS survey vessel.

The ten Chinese contracted cutters

were Balabac, Basilan, Busuanga, Corregidor, Luzon, Masbate, Negros, Palawan, Polillo, and Tablas. The
five Uraga cutters were to be Marinduque and Romblon, which were delivered, and Bohol, Cebu,
and Jolo which were cancelled after serious deficiencies were found on delivery
of Marinduque and Romblon. The China built cutters began arriving in Manila by mid 1902 and were
found to generally meet requirements. The Uraga built cutters, arriving in January and April 1903, had
serious defects, to the extent the inspector in Japan was dismissed for negligence, and costly
negotiations led to cancellation of the three others that were in process of completion. Five additional
cutters were ordered from China, those being Leyte, Mindanao, Mindoro, Panay, and Samar

The lighthouse service was placed under the Bureau. In 1902, the Coast Guard fleet of 15
steamers from China and Japan was established and were assigned for the lighthouse service inspection
trips of top government officials, for transport to Culion Island, for patrolling against illegal entry of
aliens, and for troop movement of the Philippine Constabulary.
The Bureau of Coast Guard and Transportation was abolished on October 26, 1905 and the Bureau of
Navigation took over its functions. The Bureau of Navigation was authorized to create a commissioned
and enlisted service, and to adopt its own manual of court martial patterned after the US Navy.

Subsequently, however, the Bureau was also abolished on December 19, 1913 and the
organization and its functions were transferred to the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Public
Works until the establishment of the Commonwealth Government. After gaining independence from the
United States, the Philippine government ceded some of the coast guard functions, such as the revenue
cutter and lighthouse services, to the Philippine Naval Patrol, which eventually became the Philippine
Navy. A Coast Guard unit was activated within the Philippine Navy to implement these functions.

On August 6, 1967, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act 5173 of the Philippine Coast
Guard Law, which made the PCG a major unit of the Philippine Navy under a flag officer. The PCG was
activated on October 10, 1967 and its coast guard functions were transferred from the navy.
The civilian nature of the PCG functions led to the separation of the Coast Guard from the Philippine
Navy on March 30, 1998 by virtue of Executive Order 475 signed by President Fidel Ramos. It order
effectively transferred the PCG from the Department of National Defense to the Office of the President,
and eventually to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on April 15, 1998 by
virtue of Executive Order 477.

These executive orders provided inter alia that the PCG shall continue to the agency primarily
responsible for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the maritime
environment as mandated under the Philippine Coast Guard Law and Presidential Decrees 600, 601,
602, and 979, as a mended.

The transformation of the PCG into a non-military organization has a tremendous impact and
significance. Its civilian character has allowed it to receive offers of vessels, equipment, technology,
services, cooperation and other needed assistance from other countries, something which would not be
readily offered to a military agency.
 With enactment of Republic Act 9993, also known as the Coast Guard Law of 2009, as well as its
implementing rules and regulations, the PCG has been vested with the necessary authority and
responsibility to perform preventive measures in ensuring the safety of merchant vessels. The new law
also strengthened PCG's authority to meet new challenges and increasing demands for marine
resources, technological advancement and climate change. Further, the law has defined the PCG's
rightful niche in the bureaucracy as the premier maritime agency and its vital role in nation building.

Organization

The Philippine Coast Guard is led by the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, and directly
reports to the Secretary of Transportation in maritime law enforcement, and also reports to the Chief of
the Navy in wartime. The commandant is assisted by the Deputy Commandant for Administration and
the Deputy Commandant for Operations.

Leadership
 Commander-in-Chief: Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte
 Secretary of Transportation: Atty. Arthur P. Tugade
 Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard: ADM George V. Ursabia Jr., PCG
 Deputy Commandant for Administration: VADM Lyndon F. Latorre, PCG
 Deputy Commandant for Operations: VADM Leopoldo V. Laroya, PCG
 Chief of Coast Guard Staff: RADM Rolando Lizor N. Punzalan Jr., PCG

Ranks
Commissioned Officer Ranks

 Admiral (ADM) – General

 Vice Admiral (VADM) – Lieutenant General
 Rear Admiral (RADM) – Major General
 Commodore (COMMO) – Brigadier General
 Captain (CAPT) – Colonel
 Commander (CDR) – Lieutenant Colonel
 Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) – Major
 Lieutenant (LT) – Captain
 Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) – 1st Lieutenant
 Ensign (ENS) – 2nd Lieutenant
 Probationary Ensign (P/ENS) – Trainee Rank or awaiting for Commissionship/Probationary 2nd
Lieutenant
Non Commissioned Officer/Enlisted Ranks –

 First Master Chief Petty Officer (FMCPO) – First Chief Master Sergeant
 Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) – Chief Master Sergeant
 Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) – Senior Master Sergeant
 Chief Petty Officer (CPO) – Master Sergeant
 Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) – Technical Sergeant
 Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) – Staff Sergeant
 Petty Officer 3rd Class (PO3) – Sergeant
 Seaman First Class (SN1) – Corporal
 Seaman Second Class (SN2) – Private First Class
 Apprentice Seaman (ASN) – Private
 Candidate Coast Guardsman (CCGM) – Candidate Soldier

Coast Guard Districts

Coast Guard District Northeastern Luzon

 Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon

 Coast Guard District National Capital Region – Central Luzon
 Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog
 Coast Guard District Palawan
 Coast Guard District Bicol
 Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas
 Coast Guard District Western Visayas
 Coast Guard District Central Visayas
 Coast Guard District Southern Visayas
 Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao
 Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao
 Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao

Qualifications: (Commissionship Oficer)

1. Must be natural born filippino citizen
2. with good moral character
3. 21 – 24 years old
4. single
5. 5’0 for male and female
6. with professional / civil service eligiility with a rating 82 percent and above or with PRC licence
7. physically and mentally qualified
8. Passed the PCG Aptitude batery test for commisionship

Enlistment orNon – Officer

Natural born filipino scitizen with good moral character
Single
Minimum height 5’0
Physically and mentally qualified under the existing regulation of the coast guard service
College graduate or has earned 72 units only in one course as reflected in the transriot of records
Senior high school graduate provided that he has completed the TESDA course (6months or longer)
relevant to PCG mandates as endosed by the respective SECOMCAP
Has passed the PCGA aptitude batery test

The following TESDA courses are prioritized for the enlistment

Auto engine rebuilding, automotive servising , automotive elecrical assembly
Computer technician
Computer system servicing
Computer hardware servising
Driving
Electrical instalation and maintenance
Gas metal arc welding
Marine electricity

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9993

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINES COAST GUARD AS AN ARMED AND UNIFORMED

SERVICE ATTACHES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS, THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5173, AS AMENDED, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippines Coast Guard Law of 2009"

Section 2. Establishment. - The Philippine Coast Guard, hereinafter referred to as the PCG, is
hereby established as an armed and uniformed service attached to the Department of
Transportation and Communications (DOTC): Provided, That in times of war, as declared by
Congress, the PCG or parts thereof, shall be attached to the Department of National Defense.

Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The PCG shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) To enforce regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime international conventions,
treaties or instruments and national laws for the promotion of safety of life property at sea
within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines and conduct port state control
implementation;

(b) To inspections on all merchant ships and vessels, including but shall not be limited to
inspections prior to departure, to ensure and enforce compliance with safety standards, rules
and regulations;

(c) To detain, stop or prevent a ship or vessel which does not comply with safety standards,
rules and regulations from sailing or leaving port;

(d) To conduct emergency readiness evaluation on merchant marine vessels;

(e) Subject to the approval of the Secretary of the DOTC, to issue and enforce rules and
regulation for the promotion of safety and life and property at sea on all maritime-related
activities;

(f) To coordinate, develop, establish, maintain and operate aids to navigation, vessel traffic
system, maritime communications and search and rescue facilities within the maritime
jurisdiction of the Philippines;

(g) To remove, destroy or low to port, sunken or floating hazards to navigation, including
illegal fish and vessels, at or close to sea lanes which may cause hazards to the marine
environment;

(h) To issue permits for the salvage of vessels and to supervise all marine salvage
operations, as well as prescribe and enforce rules and regulations governing the same;

(i) To render aid to persons and vessels in distress and conduct search rescue in marine
accidents within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, including the high seas, in
accordance with applicable international conventions. In the performance of this function, the
PCG may enlist the services of other government agencies and the merchant marine fleet;

(j) To investigate the inquire into the causes of all maritime accidents involving death,
casualties and damage to properties;
lawphil.net
 (l) To assist in the enforcement of laws on fisheries, immigration, tariff and customs, forestry,
firearms and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals,
transnational crimes and other applicable laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the
Philippines;

(m) To board and inspect all types of merchant ships and watercrafts in the performance of
this functions;

(n) To enforce laws and promulgated and administer rules and regulations for the protection
of marine environment and resources from offshore sources or pollution within the maritime
jurisdiction of the Philippines;

(o) To develop oil spill response, containment and recovery capabilities against ship-based
pollution;

(p) To grant, within the capabilities and consistent with its mandate, requests for assistance
of other government agencies in the performance of their functions;

(q) To organize, train and supervise the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) for the purpose of assisting
the PCG in carrying out its mandated functions; and

(r) To perform such other functions that may be necessary in the attainment of the objectives
of this Act.

Section 4. Gender Sensitivity Program. - Gender concerns should be addressed in all planning
activities, setting of priorities, allocating of resources and identifying actions and activities of the
PCG. It should also incorporate a gender sensitive perspective in the implementation of such plans
and programs.

Gender sensitivity shall also be employed in all its internal policies, strategies, budget, projects,
structures and mechanisms, including but not limited to hiring, promotions, assignment, training
opportunities, pay and benefits. A gender perspective should likewise be integrated in all its training
programs, especially for maritime search and rescue.

Section 5. The PCG Commandant. - The PCG shall be headed by a Commandant who shall carry
the rank of Coast Guard Admiral; Provided, that he shall be appointed by the president from among
the Flag Officers in the Coast Guard service. He shall hold a command-at-sea badge and must have
served as a District Commander of the PCG. The Commander shall have a maximum term of three
(3) years. A commandant who has served for three (3) years prior to his compulsory retirement shall
be considered retired and entitled to all the benefits available to a Coast Guard officer as if he is
compulsory retired.

Section 6. Organization. - The PCG shall consist of the following categories of officers and
employees;

(a) PCG officers;

(b) PCG non-officers;

(c) PCG non-uniformed personnel;

(d) Probationary ensign; and

(e) Cadets and Cadettes.

Section 7. Officer Rank Distribution. - The officer rank distribution or the PCG shall be as follows:
two per centum (2%) in the Flag Officer rank; six per centum (6%) in the rank of Coast Guard
Captain; twelve per centum (12%) in the rank of Coast Guard Commander; eighteen per centum
(18%) in the rank of Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander; Twenty per centum (20%) in the rank of
Coast Guard Lieutenant; and forty-two per centum (42%) in the ranks of Coast Guard Lieutenant
Junior Grade and Coast Guard Ensign; Provided, That such distribution is based on the ratio
between officer and non-officer which is one (1) officer to every seven (7) non-officer: Provided.
finally, That if the actual number in a rank is less than the number prescribed in a lower rank.
Section 8. Distribution of Flag Officers. - The number of Flag Officers herein authorized shall be
distributed to the various Flag Officer ranks in accordance with the schedule as hereunder
prescribed:

Coast Guard Admiral 1

Coast Guard Vice Admiral 1
Coast Guard Rear Admira l5
Coast Guard Commodore 15
Total 22

Provided, That the herein prescribed Coast Guard ranks shall be distinct from those prescribed in
the Philippine Navy: Provided, further, That the total number of Flag Officers prescribed under this
section shall in no case be less than the number resulting from the implementation of Section 7
hereof, otherwise the latter shall apply.

The number corresponding to the ranks of Coast Guard Admiral, Coast Guard Vice Admiral, Coast
Guard Rear Admiral, and Coast Guard Commodore, as provided for in this section, shall be the
maximum: Provided, That if the actual number in a rank, except in the case of Coast Guard Admiral
and Coast Guard Vice Admiral, is less than the number herein prescribed the difference may be
applied as an increase to the number prescribed in the lower rank: Provided, finally, That no officer
shall be promoted to the rank of Coast Guard Commodore or higher unless there is an existing
vacancy, and the officer is occupying a position in the table of organization that requires the rank of
which he is being considered for promotion. 1avvphi1

Section 9. Maximum Tenure in Rank. - The maximum tenure of officers in the ranks of Captain and
Flag Officer in the PCG are hereby prescribed as follows:

Rank Maximum Tenure in Rank

Coast Guard Admiral three (3) years
Coast Guard Vice Admiral three (3) years
Coast Guard Rear Admiral three (3) years
Coast Guard Commodore five (5) years
Coast Guard Captain seven (7) years

Unless easier separated, retired or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying a position calling
for the higher rank in the PCG table of organization. Captain and Flag Officers shall be compulsory
retired upon the attainment of the maximum tenure in rank herein prescribed, or upon reaching the
age of compulsory retirement whichever comes earlier: Provided, That officers already holding these
ranks upon the approval of this Act my be allowed one (1) year more of tenure in rank before the
maximum tenure provided in this section shall be applied to them, unless they shall have already
reached the compulsory retirement age under existing laws, in which case the compulsory
retirement age shall prevail.

Section 10. Maximum Tenure in Position. - Officer holding the following key positions are hereby
limited a maximum tenure of three (3) years, unless otherwise earlier relieved by competent
authority or compulsory retired under existing laws:

Coast Guard Commandant;

Coast Guard Deputy Commandant; and

Coast Guard District Commander.

Provided, That except for the Commandant, no other officer shall be assigned/designated to the
aforementioned key positions or promoted to the rank of Commodore or higher if he has less than
(1) year of active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement.

Section 11. Organization of a PCG Auxiliary (PCGA). - The PCG shall continue to maintain,
supervise, develop and train the PCGA as a civilian volunteer organization under the direct control
and supervision of the PCG Commandant. The PCGA shall assist the PCG in the promotion of
safety of life and property at sea. The preservation of the marine environment and its resources, the
conduct of maritime search and rescue, the maintenance of aids to navigation and such other
activities that enhance maritime community relations which include civic action, participation under
the National Service Training Program, youth development, recreational safety and other related
activities.

Section 12. Appointments. - Appointments of PCG officers, which shall be in the initial rank of Coast
Guard Ensign, shall be made by the Secretary of the DOTC upon the recommendation of the PCG
Commandant. The initial appointment ranks of chaplains, dentists, lawyers, medical doctors and
veterinarians shall be Coast Guard Lieutenant.

No person shall be appointed as an officer of the PCG unless he is a natural born citizen of the
Philippines, at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the date of appointment, physically fit and is a
baccalaureate degree holder. The Appointment of the PCG Commandant and Flag Officers shall be
approved by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the DOTC. Appointments
of all PCG non-officers shall be made by the PCG Commandant. Appointments of all non-uniformed
personnel shall be in accordance with the Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

Section 13. Promotions. - The promotion of PCG officers, as submitted by the PCG Officers
Selection and Promotion Board, shall be recommended by the PCG Commandant for the approval
of the Secretary of the DOTC: Provided, That the promotion to the rank of Flag Officers in the PCG
be submitted by a Board of Senior Officers to the PCG Commandant for approval of the President
upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the DOTC: Provided, further, That said officers shall
possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualification provided under pertinent laws, rules
and regulations, specifically on the completion of the required schooling, training and minimum time
and grade for said ranks.

The PCG Commandant shall approve the promotion of PCG non-officers to the next higher rank
based on the recommendation of the PCG Selection and Promotion Board for non-
Officers: Provided, That special or meritorious promotion shall be extended to any PCG non-officer
for acts of inconspicuous courage or outstanding achievement in the Coast Guard service as
determined by the PCG Selection and Promotion Board for Non-Officers. The promotion of non-
uniformed employees shall be governed by Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

Section 14. Salaries and Other Benefits. - The uniformed personnel of the PCG shall receive the
same base pay, longevity pay, hazard pay and other benefits and allowances as are now or
hereafter may be authorized for corresponding salary grades and ranks in the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) until such time that a new law is enacted for the purpose. The salaries and
allowances of the non-uniformed employees of the PCG shall be in accordance with Civil Service
laws, rules and regulations.

Section 15. Active Service. - For purposes of this Act, the active service of PCG personnel hereof
shall refer to services rendered as an officer, non-officer, probationary ensign, or those rendered as
a civilian official or employee in the PCG prior to the date of separation or retirement from the
PCG: Provided, That the term active service shall include confirmed services rendered as a civilian
employee in the Philippine government.

Section 16. Disciplinary Action. - The applicable and pertinent provisions of the AFP Military Justice
System shall be adopted in disciplinary cases against PCG officers and non-officers. The applicable
rules, regulations and guidelines promulgated by the Civil Service Commission shall govern cases
against PCG non-uniformed employees.

Section 17. Retirement. - Upon attaining fifty-six (56) years of age or upon accumulation of thirty
(30) years of continuous satisfactory active service, whichever comes later, a PCG officer or non-
officer shall be compulsorily retired: Provided, That said officer or non-officer shall have a minimum
of twenty (20) years of active service. The retirement of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed
by Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

Section 18. Retirement Benefits. - Monthly retirement pay of officers and non-officers shall be fifty
percent (50%) of base pay and longevity pay of the next higher grade last held in case of twenty (20)
years of active service, increasing by two and one-half percent (2½%) for every year of service
rendered beyond twenty (20) years to a maximum of ninety percent (90%) for thirty-six (36) years of
active service and over. The retirement benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by
Civil Service/Government Service Insurance System Law.
Section 19. Separation from Service. - Officers and non-officers who voluntary resign or otherwise
fail to comply with the standards of competence and proficiency of the PCG, shall be separated from
the service under existing laws, rules and regulations. The separation of non-uniformed personnel
shall be in accordance with Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

Section 20. Collection of Revenues. - The PCG shall collect fees, dues, charges and fines relevant
to the exercise of its various functions.

Section 21. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the DOTC shall issue rules and regulations,
determine, fix, and/or prescribe charges, rates, penalties pertinent, as may be necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act, as well as the provision of acts, decrees and orders related to
the implementation of the PCG functions.

Section 22. PCG Properties and Lighthouse Reservations. - The PCG shall continue to exercise
exclusive ownership, possession, control and supervision over all properties transferred to it by
virtue of Executive Order No. 475 dated 30 March 1998 and Executive Order No. 477 dated 15 April
1998, such as inter alia, vessels, watercrafts, firearms, armaments, munitions, communications and
electronic equipment, vehicles, buildings, real state and lighthouse reservations.

Section 23. Establishment and Expansion of Coast Guard Bases and Facilities. - In accordance with
other appropriate government agencies, the PCG shall develop and enhance its capabilities in the
performance of its mandated functions and establish its strategic presence.

Section 24. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DOTC shall immediately prepare the necessary
guidelines to cover the establishment of the PCG as an attached agency to the DOTC, the initial
funding of which shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the PCG and,
thereafter, in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 25. Transitory Provisions. - All previous appointments and promotions of PCG uniformed
personnel made prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid and subsisting.

Section 26. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other
issuance's or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

Section 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation's.

Approved

(Sgd.) PROSPERO C. NOGRALES (Sgd.) JUAN PONCE ENRILE

Speaker of the House of Representatives President of the Senate

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3389 and House Bill No. 5151 was finally passed
by the Senate and the House of Representatives on December 9, 2009 and December 8, 2009,
respectively.

(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP (Sgd.) EMMA LIRIO-REYES

Secretary General Secretary of Senate
House of Represenatives

Approved: FEB 12, 2010

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines
.