NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
'It: CEC11 r'8:El
Ri'l!
SENATE
S. No.2903
(In Substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 2540, 2561, 2648, 2650, 2864 and 2870)
Prepared by the Committee on Public Services joint with the Committees on Civil 
Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation, Ways and Means, and 
Finance with Senators Lapid, Tolentino, Zubiri, Gatchalian, Tulfo and Estrada as authors
thereof
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM AND REORGANIZATION OF 
THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 9993, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD LAW 
OF 2009"
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Revised Philippine Coast
2 
Guard Law".
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Sec. 2. Philippine Coast Guard. - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), established
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under Republic Act No. 9993 as an armed and uniformed service attached to the
5 
Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall continue as such upon the effectivity of this
6 
Act: Provided, That in times of war, as declared by Congress, the PCG or parts thereof,
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shall be attached to the Department of National Defense (DND).
8 
Sec. 3. Organization. - The PCG organizational structure shall be headed by a
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Commandant with the rank of Admiral and shall be assisted by the Deputy Commandant
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for Operations and Deputy Commandant for Administration, both with the rank of Vice
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Admiral. It shall be organized into three (3) core functional commands, namely: the


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Maritime Safety Services Command, the Marine Environmental Protection Command and
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the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command. To enhance the core functions of the
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PCG, it shall be reinforced by support commands and service units categorized as follows:
4 
a) Administrative support commands consist of the Education and Training, Internal
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Affairs Service, Surface Support Force, Financial Management, Fluman Resource
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Management Service and Logistics;
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b) The operational support commands consist of the Fleet, Weapons,
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Communications, Electronics and Information System Service, Special Operations Force,
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Aviation Force, Community Relations Command, Canine Enforcement Force and Coast
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Guard Intelligence Force and other operational command as may thereafter be created
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as needed;
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c) The technical services consist of the Coast Guard Legal Service, Medical Service,
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Ecumenical Service, Dental Service, Veterinary Service, Medical Administrative Corps,
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Nurse Corps, and other technical services that may or hereinafter be created as needed;
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d) Operating commands consist of the fifteen (15) districts located nationwide
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covering specific areas of responsibilities composed of stations that shall have field offices
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called sub-stations down to detachments or posts. These coast guard districts will also
18 
function as implementing units whose annual budget shall be strictly released to them
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and these units are: National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGD NCR-CL), Central Visayas
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(CGD CV), Southwestern Mindanao (CGD SWM), Southeastern Mindanao (CGD SEM),
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Palawan (CGD PAL), Western Visayas (CGD WV), Southern Tagalog (CGD STL), Northern
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Mindanao (CGD NM), Bicol (CGD BCL), Northwestern Luzon (CGD NWL), Eastern Visayas
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(CGD EV), Northeastern Luzon (CGD NEL), Southern Mindanao (CGD SM), Northeastern
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Mindanao (CGD NEM) and Coast Guard districts in BARMM (CGDs BARMM): Provided,
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That the PCG may create other new districts subject to existing laws; and
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e)The Special Services consist of the Legislative Liaison Affairs, Community
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Relations Service, Finance Service, Internal Audit, and Center for Strategic Studies.
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In addition to the basic structure of the PCG mentioned above, the Commandant
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may, in the interest of public service and expediency of service, recommend to reorganize
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districts, commands, services or units under the PCG which shall be forwarded to the


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Secretary of Transportation for adoption and submission to the Secretary of Budget and
2 
Management for approval: Provided, That the minimum manning level of the PCG shall
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be computed based on the total coastline of the Philippines with three (3) uniformed
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personnel per (1) kilometer of coastline, which shall be filled in accordance with the
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enlistment schedule approved by the Department of Budget and Management: Provided
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further, That the functional commands, administrative support units, operational support
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units, operating units, technical services and special services shall be authorized and
8 
designated to perform all duties and functions of the PCG within their individual areas of
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responsibility, including finance and procurement.
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To enhance the capability and field expertise of uniformed personnel, the PCG shall
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implement functional service specialization on its three (3) core functional areas.
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Sec. 4. Powers and Functions of the PCG. - The PCG shall have the following powers
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and functions:
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a) Enforce regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime international
15 
conventions, treaties or instruments and national laws for the promotion of safety of life
16 
and property at sea within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines and conduct port
17 
state control implementation;
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b) Conduct random inspections on all merchant ships and vessels, including
19 
inspections prior to departure, to ensure and enforce compliance with safety standards,
20 
rules and regulations;
21 
c) Detain, stop or prevent a ship or vessel which does not comply with safety
22 
standards, rules and regulations from sailing or leaving port;
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d) Conduct emergency readiness evaluation on merchant marine vessels;
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e) Issue and enforce rules and regulations for the promotion of safety of life and
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property at sea on all maritime-related activities, subject to the approval of the Secretary
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oftheDOTr;
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f) Determine, fix or prescribe charges, rates, and penalties, as may be necessary,
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to implement its provisions, as well as the provisions of laws, issuances, decrees and
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orders related to the implementation of PCG functions, subject to the approval of the
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Secretary of the DOTr;


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g) Coordinate, develop, establish, maintain and operate aids to navigation, vessel
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traffic system, maritime communications and search and rescue facilities within the
3 
maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines;
4 
h) Remove, destroy, or tow to port sunken or floating hazards to navigation,
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including illegal fish traps and vessels, at or close to sea lanes which may cause hazards
6 
to the marine environment;
7 
i) Issue permits for the salvage of vessels and to supervise all marine salvage
8 
operations and wreck removal, and to auction the abandoned vessels or wrecks to defray
9 
the expenses of such removal, as well as prescribe and enforce rules and regulations
10 
governing the same;
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j) Render aid to persons and vessels in distress and conduct search and rescue
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during maritime accidents within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, including the
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high seas, in accordance with applicable international conventions. In the performance
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of this function, the PCG may enlist the services of other government agencies and the
15 
merchant marine fleet;
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k) Investigate and inquire into the causes of all maritime accidents involving death,
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casualties and damage to properties;
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I) In coordination with other relevant government agencies, enforce and maintain
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maritime security, prevent or suppress terrorism at sea, and perform law enforcement
20 
functions in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations;
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m) Assist in the enforcement of laws on fisheries, immigration, tariff and
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customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs and
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controlled chemicals, transnational crimes and other applicable laws within the maritime
24 
jurisdiction of the Philippines;
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n) Board and inspect all types of merchant ships and watercrafts in the performance
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of these functions;
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o) Promulgate, administer and enforce laws, rules and regulations for the protection
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of marine environment and resources from offshore sources of pollution within the
29 
maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines;
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p) Develop oil spill response, containment and recovery capabilities against ship-


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based pollution;
2 
q) Grant, within the capabilities and consistent with its mandate, requests for
3 
assistance of other government agencies in the performance of their functions;
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r) Organize, train and supervise the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) for the purpose of
5 
assisting the PCG in carrying out its mandated functions;
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s) Recommend to the President the issuance of rules and regulations pertaining to
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the assistance and support that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should extend
8 
to the PCG to enhance the latter's capability during emergencies;
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t) To conclude international agreements, specifically, for the purpose of procuring
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its own materials and equipment through competitive bidding or alternative modes of
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procurement; and
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u) To perform such other functions that may be necessary in the attainment of the
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objectives of this Act.
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Sec. 5. The PCG Commandant - The PCG shall be headed by a Commandant who
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shall have the rank of Admiral which shall be equivalent to the rank and pay of the Chief
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of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Chief of the Philippine
17 
National Police (PNP). The Commandant shall be appointed by the President of the
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Philippines from among the Flag Officers in the Coast Guard service who have earned the
19 
command-at-sea badge and must have served as District Commander and Functional
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Service Commander, including other major Commanders carrying the rank of Vice
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Admiral. The Commandant shall have a maximum term of two (2) years or upon reaching
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the age of 57 years old, whichever comes earlier. Provided, however, That if the
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maximum term is served before reaching the age of 57, the Commandant shall be
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compulsorily retired with all the benefits appertaining thereto.
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Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Commandant - The Commandant shall
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exercise the following powers and functions:
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a) Elaborate and Execute national maritime laws relating to the functions of the
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PCG, under the authority and direction of the President;
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b) Direct and control tactical as well as strategic movements, deployment,
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placement, or utilization of the PCG or any of its units and personnel, including its


1 
equipment, facilities and other resources: Provided \ha\. the Commandant may delegate
2 
this power to subordinate officials with respect to the units under the latter's command,
3 
subject to the guidelines as the Commandant may prescribe in accordance with existing
4 
laws, rules and regulations.
5 
c) Prescribe, in accordance to existing laws the organization or re-organization,
6 
powers, functions and duties of the various staff, services, installation, and other units of
7 
the PCG;
8 
d) Issue policies and instructions regarding personnel, funds, properties, records,
9 
correspondence and such other matters as may be necessary to effectively carry out the
10 
functions, powers and duties of the PCG, in accordance with existing laws, rules and
11 
regulations.
12 
e) Approve the recommendation of the different promotion or assignment boards
13 
and ensure observance of merit and fitness in the process of promotion and assignment;
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f) Exercise disciplinary authority over all uniformed personnel and non-uniformed
15 
personnel of the PCG; and
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g) Perform any task or directive issued by the President of the Philippines; Provided,
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That such command and direction of the Commandant may be delegated to subordinate
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officials with respect to the units under the latter's respective commands, subject to the
19 
guidelines as the Commandant may prescribe in accordance with the rules and regulation
20 
prescribed under existing laws.
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Sec. 7. - Personnel. - The PCG shall consist of the following categories of
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personnel:
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a) Officer refers to uniformed member of the PCG who is commissioned as officer
24 
by the President of the Philippines and belongs to the officers' corps;
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b) Non-officers refers to a general term for uniformed members of the PCG with
26 
ranks below commissioned officers and performing jobs specific to their occupational
27 
specialty. There are three classifications of non-officers, namely, strikers for those in
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grades E-1 to E-3, junior non-commissioned officers for those in grades E-4 to E6 and
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senior non-commissioned officers for ranks with equivalent grades of E-7 to E-10.
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c) Non-uniformed personnel refers to the non-uniformed members of the PCG who


1 
are appointed and employed under the Civil Service laws, rules and regulations;
2 
d) Probationary Ensign refers to a person who is called to active duty but awaiting
3 
commissionship into the PCG or awaiting training;
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e) Draftee refers to a person who has completed basic training and is awaiting
5 
enlistment into the PCG active service;
6 
f) Cadet refers to a person who is enrolled in service academies under the
7 
sponsorship of the PCG;
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g) Candidate refers to a person who is undergoing training for commissionship;
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h) Trainee refers to a person who is undergoing training to qualify as member of
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non-officers' corps of the PCG;
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Provided, That the ranks and grades of all uniformed personnel in the PCG, whether
12 
officers or non-officers, shall be the same and equal as that used and observed in the
13 
AFP and PNP.
14 
Sec. 8. Ranks and Grades of PCG Officers. - The ranks and grades of PCG Officers
15
shall be as follows:
16
RANK
ACRONYM
PAY GRADE
17
Admiral
ADM
0-10
18
Vice Admiral
VADM
0-9
19
Rear Admiral
RADM
0-8
20
Commodore
COM MO
0-7
21
Captain
CAPT
0-6
22
Commander
CDR
0-5
23
Lieutenant Commander
LCDR
0-4
24
Lieutenant Senior Grade
LTSG
0-3
25
Lieutenant Junior Grade
LTJG
0-2
26
Ensign
ENS
0-1
27 
Sec. 9. Technicai Officers. — The following are the professionals that may join the
28 
PCG service as technical officers:
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a) Lawyers;
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b) Doctors;


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c) 
Priests, Pastors, Imam, and other certified clerics;
d) Dentists;
e) Veterinarians; and
f) 
Nurses
Provided, That any applicant holding the degree of any of the abovementioned 
professions shall have qualified and passed the appropriate licensure examination, when 
applicable, of the respective professions to be qualified for entry into the Coast Guard 
service: Provided, That other board professions not listed may still be recruited as part of 
the technical stream upon verification of the PCG of its need thereof.
Sec. 10. Officer Rank Distribution. - The officer rank distribution of 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 Senior 
Grade; 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 officers and non-officers which is one (1) officer for every seven (7) non-officers: 
Provided, finally, That if the actual number in a rank is less than the number prescribed 
in a lower rank, the difference may be applied as an increase to the number prescribed 
in the lower rank.
Sec. 11. Distribution of Flag Officers. - Other than the Commandant who occupies 
the rank of Admiral, the total number of flag ranks shall not exceed two (2) percent of 
the total population of officers distributed observing the pyramidal structure as hereunder 
prescribed:
0.15%
0.35%
1.50%
2.00%
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
Vice Admiral 
Rear Admiral 
Commodore 
Total


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difference may be applied as an increase to the number prescribed in the lower rank: 
Provided, further, 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 is being considered 
for promotion.
Sec. 12. 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
Admiral 
Vice Admiral 
Rear Admiral 
Commodore 
Captain
Maximum Tenure in Rank
three (3) years 
three (3) years 
three (3) years 
five (5) years 
ten (10) years
Unless earlier separated, retired or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying 
a position calling for the higher rank in the PCG Table of Organization, Captains and Flag 
Officers shall be 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 Captains or flag officers who have not reached age of retirement shall be 
retired due to attrition if they have at least twenty (20) years in service otherwise it shall 
be separation from service.
Sec. 13. Maximum Tenure in Position of the Commandant - The Commandant is 
hereby limited to a maximum tenure of three (3) years, unless otherwise earlier relieved 
by competent authority or compulsory retired under existing laws.
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 one (1) year of active service remaining prior 
to compulsory retirement.
Sec. 14. Ranks and Grades of Non-officers. - The ranks and pay grades of PCG 
non-officers shall be as follows:
RANK 
ACRONYM 
PAY GRADE


1
First Master Chief Petty Officer
FMCPO
E-10
2
Master Chief Petty Officer
MCPO
E-9
3
Senior Chief Petty Officer
SCPO
E-8
4
Chief Petty Officer
CPO
E-7
5
Petty Officer First Class
POl
E-6
6
Petty Officer Second Class
P02
E-5
7
Petty Officer Third Class
P03
E-4
8
Seaman/Seawoman First Class
SNl/SWl
E-3
9
Seaman/Seawoman Second Class
SN2/SW2
E-2
10
Apprentice Seaman/Seawoman
ASN/ASW
E-1
11
Sec. 15. Maximum Tenure in Rank for Non-officers. - The maximum tenure of
12 
senior non-officers in the ranks of Chief Petty Officer to First Master Chief Petty Officer in
13 
the PCG are as follows:
14 
Rank 
Maximum Tenure in Rank
15 
First Master Chief Petty Officer 
Three (3) years
16 
Master Chief Petty Officer 
Three (3) years
17 
Senior Chief Petty Officer 
Five (5) years
18 
Chief Petty Officer 
Eight (8) years
19 
Any non-officer holding lower ranks than the above who stays in a rank for 10 years
20 
without being promoted to the next higher rank shall be evaluated by the Re-enlistment
21 
Fitness Board who shall verify suitability to continue in service and submit a
22 
recommendation for the approval of the Commandant: Provided, That the original
23 
enlistment term in the PCG shall be three (3) years and subsequent re-enlistment shall
24 
be for the term of six (6) years, with the application for re-enlistment to be reviewed by
25 
the Re-enlistment Fitness Board for recommendation to the Commandant for approval:
26 
Provided, further, That the uniform allowance shall be payable every three (3) years after
27 
complying with the physical fitness test.
28 
Sec. 16. Non-uniformed Personnel. - There shall be non-uniformed personnel
29 
positions in the PCG. The head of the non-uniformed personnel shall occupy a rank of
30 
Director III and shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation of the
10


1 
Commandant. The non-uniformed personnel shall establish their own plantilla positions
2 
to complement the strength of the PCG uniformed personnel.
3 
Sec. 17. Appointments. - The appointment of the PCG Commandant and Flag
4 
Officers shall be approved by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation
5 
of the Secretary of the DOTr. Appointments of all PCG non-officers shall be made by the
6 
PCG Commandant. Appointments of PCG officers, which shall be in the initial rank of
7 
Coast Guard Ensign shall be through a commissionship into service by the DOTr Secretary
8 
upon the recommendation of the Commandant.
9 
The initial entry ranks for technical officers like lawyers, medical doctors and
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ecumenical clerics shall be in the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade, dentists and
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veterinarians shall be Lieutenant Junior Grade, while nurses shall be commissioned in the
12 
rank of Ensign. Appointment of other technical professions that may be required later
13 
shall be based on the academic attainment or ranking of licensure examinations results
14 
issued by competent authority.
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Appointments as well as the promotion of all non-uniformed personnel shall be in
16 
accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) laws, rules and regulations.
17 
Sec. 18. Basic Qualification for Uniformed Personnel. - To qualify as officer or non-
18 
officer of the PCG, the applicant shall possess the following at the time of application:
19 
a) Natural born citizen of the Philippines;
20 
b) A person of good moral conduct;
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c) Must have passed the psychiatric/ psychological, drug and physical tests to be
22 
administered by the PCG Medical Service or by any PCG accredited government hospital
23 
for the purpose of determining physical and mental health;
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d) Must possess a formal baccalaureate degree, with appropriate license when
25 
applicable or professional civil service eligibility for appointment as officer, and must have
26 
finished at least 72 non-repetitive units of college education or senior high school
27 
graduate with six (6) months TESDA skills course related to the functions of PCG for
28 
appointment as non-officers upon effectivity of this Act; and
29 
e) Must not have been dishonorably discharged from military employment or
30 
dismissed for cause from any non-uniformed personnel position in the government.
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1 
Sec. 19. Promotions of Officers and Non-officers. - The promotion of PCG officers
2 
and non-officers shall be based on merit and fitness in accordance with the following
3 
procedures:
4 
a) Officers shall only be promoted after undergoing deliberation before the
5 
promotion boards. Provided, That promotion boards shall submit the results of their
6 
deliberation to the Commandant for approval and corresponding endorsement to the
7 
Secretary of Transportation for transmittal to the President for approval;
8 
b) There shall also be appropriate promotion boards for non-officers whose
9 
recommendation shall be submitted to the Commandant for approval.
10 
Provided, further, That at the time of promotion, the officer or non-officers
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concerned shall possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided
12 
under pertinent laws, rules and regulations, specifically on the completion of required
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career course, training, examination and minimum time-in-grade as applicable for specific
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ranks.
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Sec. 20. Gender Sensitivity Program. - Gender concerns shall be addressed in all
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planning activities, setting of priorities, allocating of resources and identifying actions and
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activities of the PCG. It should also incorporate a gender sensitive perspective in the
18 
implementation of such plans and programs.
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Gender sensitivity shall also be mainstreamed in all its internal policies, strategies,
20 
budget, projects, structures and mechanisms, including hiring, promotions, assignment,
21 
training opportunities, pay and benefits. A gender perspective shall likewise be integrated
22 
in all its training programs, especially for maritime search and rescue.
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Sec. 21. PCG Insignia, Decorations and Awards. - The PCG shall have its own
24 
insignia and badges to denote rank, specialty and assignment including uniforms,
25 
decorations and awards, all of which shall be submitted to the National Historical Institute
26 
for registration in the flags and heraldic list: Provided, That there shall be an established
27 
awards system which shall be administered by the PCG under such rules and regulations
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as may be promulgated with the approval of the Secretary of Transportation.
29 
Sec. 22. Legal Assistance. - The Secretary of the DOTr or the Commandant of the
30 
PCG may authorize lawyers of their respective agencies to provide legal assistance to any
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member of the PCG charged with an offense or crime resulting from the performance or
2 
on occasion of official duty. The government lawyers so authorized shall have the power
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to administer oaths.
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Sec. 23. Power to Administer Oath. - Officers of the PCG in the active service with
5 
the grade of 0-5 or when designated with appropriate orders as administrative officer of
6 
a unit, shall have the power to administer oaths on matters which are connected with the
7 
performance of their official duties. Senior non-commissioned officers (grades E-7 to
8 
ElO) who are designated through appropriate orders, as Chief-Master-At-Arms (CMAA)
9 
or unit master chief are also empowered to administer oaths.
10 
Sec. 24. Maritime and Coast Guard Attache. - The PCG shall have maritime and
11 
coast guard attache in the International Maritime Organization, other international
12 
institutions, or as member of diplomatic missions or embassies.
13 
The assignment or deployment of maritime or coast guard attache shall be with
14 
prior approval of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
15 
Sec. 25. Saiaries and Other Benefits. - The uniformed personnel of the PCG shall
16 
receive the same base pay, hazard pay and other benefits and allowances as are now or
17 
hereafter may be authorized for corresponding salary grades and ranks in the AFP. The
18 
salaries and allowances of the non-uniformed personnel of the PCG shall be in accordance
19 
with existing CSC laws, rules and regulations.
20 
Sec. 26. Longevity Pay and AHowances. - Uniformed personnel of the PCG shall be
21 
entitled to a longevity pay of ten percent (10%) of their basic monthly salaries for every
22 
five (5) years of continuous active service, which shall be reckoned from the date of
23 
actual service in the PCG: Provided, That the totality of such longevity pay shall not
24 
exceed fifty percent (50%) of the basic pay. They shall also continue to enjoy the
25 
subsistence allowance, quarters allowance, clothing allowance, cost of living allowance,
26 
hazardous duty pay and other collateral allowances but not limited to sea duty pay, flying
27 
pay, special counsel allowance, occupational specialty pay, instructors duty pay, combat
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pay for officers and non-officers of the PCG performing combat duties/activities or
29 
engaged in actual performance of duties as defined in regulations to be issued by the
30 
Commandant and all other applicable allowances as provided by existing laws. Provided,
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further, That the PCG shall, subject to approval of the President, issue a specific policy
2 
pertaining to collateral allowances for specific duties actually performed. All collateral
3 
allowances shall be reflected in the pay slip of qualified personnel.
4 
Sec. 27. Uniformed Personnel Missing in Action. - The survivors of any officer or
5 
non-officer who, while in the performance of duty, is officially confirmed missing in action,
6 
kidnapped or captured by lawless elements shall be entitled to receive the same pay and
7 
allowances to which such officer or non-officer is entitled from the time of the latter's
8 
disappearance: Provided, That the compulsory retirement of an absentee, in applicable
9 
cases, shall be processed to allow his/her survivors to enjoy the retirement benefits:
10 
Provided, further. That should the Commandant, upon the recommendation of the proper
11 
authority or immediate supervisor, subsequently rule that the officer or non-officer
12 
concerned has been absent from duty without authority, such member or the latter's
13 
survivors shall reimburse the PCG all such amount and allowances that have been
14 
received in accordance with this section and other pertinent sections of this Act.
15 
Sec. 28. Emergency and Medical Assistance. - The PCG shall have an emergency
16 
medical assistance fund, sourced from the PCG's Annual Budget Plan as reflected in the
17 
General Appropriations Act (GAA) for hospitalization, operation, medication and
18 
rehabilitation of personnel arising from injuries suffered on occasion of or in the
19 
performance of official functions until such time that the PCG hospital is fully operational.
20 
Sec. 29. Active Service. - For purposes of this Act, active service of the uniformed
21 
personnel shall refer to services rendered as an officer and non-officer, cadet, trainee or
22 
draftee in the PCG and services rendered as a non-uniformed personnel in the Philippine
23 
Government prior to the date of separation or retirement from the PCG: Provided, That,
24 
for purposes of retirement, the personnel shall have rendered at least ten (10) years of
25 
active service as officer or non-officer in the PCG: Provided, further. That no period of
26 
such non-uniformed personnel government service be longer than the active coast guard
27 
service shall be credited for purposes of retirement. Service rendered as cadet in any
28 
service academy in the Philippines or abroad under sponsorship of the PCG such as the
29 
Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, probationary officer, draftee or trainee shall be
14


1 
included in computing the years in active service for retirement purposes if such personnel
2 
joins the service right after graduation.
3 
Sec. 30. Retirement - Upon attaining fifty-seven (57) years of age or accumulation
4 
of thirty (30) years of continuous satisfactory active service, whichever comes later, a
5 
PCG uniformed personnel shall be compulsorily retired: Provided, That technical officers
6 
may extend their tenure of service up to sixty (60) years or until having accumulated
7 
twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service, whichever comes later.
8 
Any officer or non-officer may choose to retire on their own option upon
9 
accumulating at least twenty (20) years in active service.
10 
For purposes of this Act, an officer or non-officer who dies after accumulating at
11 
least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service shall be considered as retired.
12 
The retirement of non-uniformed personnel of the PCG shall be governed by the
13 
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) law, rules and regulations.
14 
Sec. 31. Separation. - Separation from the Coast Guard service may be done
15 
through compulsory retirement, optional retirement upon reaching 20 years in service,
16 
disability discharge, expiration of enlistment term, voluntary resignation, attrition,
17 
dismissal for cause, or death.
18 
The separation of non-uniformed personnel of the PCG shall be governed by the
19 
Civil Service law, rules and regulations.
20 
Sec. 32. Attrition. - There shall be established a system of attrition within the
21 
uniformed members of the PCG within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to be
22 
submitted by the PCG to the President for approval.
23 
Sec. 33. Retirement Benefits. - An officer or uniformed personnel who is retired
24 
under Section 30 of this Act, or his/her qualified survivors, are entitled to receive, and
25 
may choose from, any of the following benefits:
26 
a. Gratuity Pay. - A lump sum payment of gratuity pay equivalent to one (1) month
27 
of base and longevity pay computed based on one (1) grade higher than the permanent
28 
salary grade last held for every year of service; or
29 
b. Retirement Pay - A monthly retirement pay equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of
30 
monthly base and longevity pay computed based on one grade higher than the
15


1 
permanent salary grade last held by the personnel in case of twenty (20) years of active
2 
service, increasing by two and one-half percent (21/2%) for every year of service rendered
3 
beyond twenty (20) years up to a maximum of ninety percent (90%) for thirty-six (36)
4 
years of active service and over.
5 
Provided, That non-officers who attain the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief
6 
Petty Officer and of Master Chief Petty Officer shall, upon retirement, be entitled to the
7 
retirement pay and benefits of an Ensign: Provided, further, That a Master Chief Petty
8 
Officer shall receive a gratuity equivalent to that of an Ensign, plus one-half (1/2) of the
9 
difference between the gratuity of an Ensign and a Chief Petty Officer, and a Senior Chief
10 
Petty Officer shall receive a gratuity equivalent to that of an Ensign, plus one-half (1/2)
11 
of the difference between the gratuity of a Master Chief Petty Officer and a Chief Petty
12 
Officer, while a First Master Chief Petty Officer shall be retired with the rank of Ensign
13 
but with the retirement pay and benefits of a Lieutenant Junior Grade (0-2), as provided
14 
for in existing laws: Provided, furthermore. That officers and non-officers who availed of
15 
optional retirement are entitled to receive monthly retirement pay upon retirement:
16 
Provided, finaiiy. That upon retirement, an officer or non-officer is entitled to receive a
17 
lump sum equal to thirty-six (36) months of the monthly retirement pay.
18 
The retirement pay of officers and non-officers who are killed in action or wounded
19 
in action resulting in total permanent disability shall be computed at the rate of ninety
20 
percent (90%) of the monthly base and longevity pay based on one grade higher than
21 
the permanent salary grade last held by the personnel regardless of years in active
22 
service.
23 
The retirement pay of all PCG uniformed personnel retirees shall be subject to
24 
adjustment on the prevailing scale of base pay of uniformed personnel in the active
25 
service.
26 
The retirement benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by applicable
27 
Civil Service laws and regulations and the GSIS Law.
28 
Sec. 34. Separation Pay. - Officers and non-officers separated from the PCG
29 
without having accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service, or
30 
their qualified survivors, shall receive a separation pay equivalent to one-month base plus
16


1 
longevity pay based on the permanent salary grade the officer and non-officer holds at
2 
the time of separation for every year of active service: Provided, That in the case of an
3 
officer in the grade of Captain or higher, who incurs physical disability in the line of duty,
4 
the basis of separation pay shall be one grade higher than the salary grade held by such
5 
officer at the time of separation: Provided, further. That cadets, candidates, trainees and
6 
draftees who voluntarily resign from service shall not be entitled to any separation pay.
7 
The separation benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by applicable
8 
Civil Service laws and regulations and the Government Service Insurance System Law.
9 
Sec. 35. Benefits for Death and Total Permanent Disability in the Line of Duty or
10 
During Training. - Qualified survivors of officers and non-officers, including cadets,
11 
candidates, trainees and draftees, who died in the line of duty without having
12 
accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service are entitled to a
13 
monthly life annuity, equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the base and longevity pay
14 
computed based on one grade higher than the permanent salary grade last held by the
15 
deceased officer and non-officer at the time of death: Provided, That, survivors of cadets,
16 
candidates, trainees and draftees who died during training through their own fault or
17 
negligence shall not be entitled to this benefit.
18 
Officers or non-officers, including cadets, candidates, trainees and draftees, who
19 
suffer total permanent physical disability in the line of duty or during training without
20 
having accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service shall be
21 
entitled to a monthly life annuity, equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the base and
22 
longevity pay computed based on one grade higher than the permanent salary grade last
23 
held by the officer or non-officer when the disability occurred: Provided, That the extent
24 
of the disability or sickness which renders such member unfit or unable to further perform
25 
the duties of the position held shall be certified by the appropriate Government hospital
26 
like the Philippine General Hospital: Provided, further. That cadets, candidates, trainees
27 
and draftees who suffer total permanent physical disability during training through their
28 
own fault or negligence shall not be entitled to this benefit.
17


1 
The death and disability benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by
2 
applicable Civil Service laws and regulations and the Government Service Insurance
3 
System Law.
4 
Sec. 36. Survivors. - The family of deceased officers or non-officers who are alive
5 
and may claim benefits after such uniformed personnel dies in line of duty or the
6 
pensioner dies. The following criteria shall apply:
7 
a) Surviving spouse if married to the deceased prior to the latter's
8 
retirement/separation and not legally separated by judicial decree from the deceased
9 
issued on grounds not attributable to said spouse: Provided, That the spouse's
10 
entitlement of benefits shall terminate when the spouse dies, remarries, cohabits or
11 
engages in a common-law relationship;
12 
b) Surviving children of officers or non-officers born of marriage contracted prior
13 
to his retirement/separation from the service, surviving children adopted legally prior to
14 
his retirement/separation, illegitimate children born while the deceased parent was still
15 
on active service: Provided, That entitlement to benefits shall terminate when such
16 
children attain twenty-one (21) years of age or upon marriage: Provided, further. That
17 
those who have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years but are incapacitated and
18 
incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical defect acquired prior to age of
19 
majority shall remain entitled to the benefits.
20 
c) In default of those mentioned in paragraph (a) and (b), the surviving parent or
21 
parents.
22 
As regards question of filiation involving survivor-claimants, the same shall be
23 
submitted first by the claimants to competent court for determination before benefits can
24 
be given.
25 
Sec. 37. Survivorship Benefits. - The qualified survivors are entitled to a monthly
26 
annuity equivalent to seventy-five percent (75%) of the officer or non-officer's retirement
27 
or separation benefits, to be divided among them in equal shares and with the right of
28 
accretion.
29 
Survivorship benefits for non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by the GSIS
30 
Law.
18


1 
Sec. 38. Disability Pension. - In addition to the other benefits under this Act, an
2 
officer or non-officer who is retired or separated by reason of disability, which is the
3 
proximate result of wounds or injuries sustained or sickness or disease acquired in the
4 
line of duty shall receive a monthly disability pension as follows:
5 
a) If and while the disability is rated twenty-five percent (25%) - Five thousand
6 
pesos (P5,000.00);
7 
b) If and while the disability is rated fifty percent (50%) - Ten thousand pesos
8 
(P10,000.00);
9 
c) If and while the disability is rated seventy-five percent (75%) - Fifteen thousand
10 
pesos (P15,000.00);
11 
d) If and while the disability is rated one hundred percent (100%) - Twenty
12 
thousand pesos (P20,000.00).
13 
The officer or non-officer receiving the benefits under this Section may be required
14 
to undergo periodic physical and medical examination to determine the extent of disability
15 
for purposes of adjusting the disability pension.
16 
Sec. 39. Oid-Age Pension. - A retired PCG uniformed personnel who is at least
17 
sixty-five (65) years of age shall be entitled to old-age pension amounting to Five
18 
Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) monthly and an additional amount of One Thousand Seven
19 
Hundred Pesos (Pl,700.00) monthly upon reaching the age of seventy (70): Provided,
20 
That only retired PCG uniformed personnel who shall have been honorably discharged or
21 
retired after at least twenty (20) years total PCG active service or sooner separated while
22 
in the active service in the PCG due to disability arising or incurred in actual operations
23 
or performance of duties are entitled to receive this monthly benefit.
24 
Sec. 40. Application of Related Laws on Retirement and Separation of Uniformed
25 
Personnel. - The retirement system under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1638, as
26 
amended, and the provisions of RA 8220, RA 9365, and other similar applicable laws,
27 
insofar as not inconsistent with applicable provisions of this Act, shall be given suppletory
28 
effect.
29 
Sec. 41. Incentives and Awards. - There shall be established an incentives and
30 
awards system which shall be the same and equal as that used and observed in the AFP
19


1 
and PNP, including the Medalya ng Kagitingan (Medal of Valor) to be administered by a
2 
board under such rules, regulations and standards as may be promulgated by the PCG:
3 
Provided, That equivalent awards shall be given by the PCG for every award duly given
4 
by respectable civic organizations in a nationwide selection for outstanding achievement
5 
and/or performance of any member. Provided, further, that in the case of non-uniformed
6 
personnel, the system of incentives and awards shall be approved and in accordance with
7 
the CSC laws, rules and regulations.
8 
Sec. 42. Discipiinary System. - The PCG shall adopt the PCG Code of Conduct
9 
which shall be applicable to all its uniformed personnel. Non-uniformed personnel shall
10 
be covered under the disciplinary rules of the Civil Service. The Commandant shall be
11 
assisted by the Coast Guard Internal Affairs in enforcing discipline and order within its
12 
ranks though for disciplinary issues depending on gravity, unit commanders shall exercise
13 
disciplinary powers over personnel under their command. The PCG shall within six (6)
14 
months from the effectivity of this Act, issue policies, rules and procedures applying the
15 
PCG Code of Conduct based on the provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 408, as amended
16 
by RA 516, RA 242, PD 1968 and PD 1166. Provided, That for non-uniformed personnel,
17 
the PCG shall issue rules and procedures implementing Book VII of Executive Order No.
18 
292 and applicable CSC laws, administrative rules and issuances: Provided, further. That
19 
in times of war, during which the PCG or any of its offices is attached to the DND, the
20 
military justice system of the AFP shall apply.
21 
Sec. 43. Disciplinary Authority. - The Commandant exercises disciplinary authority
22 
at any time over all personnel of the PCG. The authority to discipline shall also be
23 
exercised by unit commanders and Commanding Officers including Station Commanders,
24 
Sub-Station Commanders, head of Morning Report Carrying Units.
25 
Sec. 44. Jurisdiction. - A complaint or a charge filed against a PCG member shall
26 
be heard and decided exclusively by the disciplining authority who has acquired original
27 
jurisdiction over the case notwithstanding the existence of concurrent jurisdiction as
28 
regards the offense.
29 
Sec. 45. Dismissal of PCG Personnel. - The Commandant, after due notice and
30 
summary hearing, after proven guilty, may immediately remove or dismiss any
20


1 
respondent PCG personnel and major unit commanders may recommend such in any of
2 
the following cases:
3 
a) In cases of drug abuse where subsequent confirmation test confirms the use of
4 
prohibited drugs;
5 
b) When the administrative charge is serious and the evidence of guilt is strong;
6 
c) When the respondent is a recidivist or has been repeatedly charged and there
7 
are reasonable grounds to believe that he is guilty of the charges; and
8 
d) When the respondent is guilty of a serious offense involving conduct unbecoming
9 
a PCG personnel.
10 
An officer or non-officer who is continuously absent without approved leave for at
11 
least thirty (30) calendar days shall be considered on absence without official leave
12 
(AWOL) and shall be presumed voluntarily resigned: Provided, That he shall be informed,
13 
by registered mail, at his address appearing on his 201 file of his separation from the
14 
service not later than five (5) calendar days from the effectivity thereof.
15 
The dismissal of PCG non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by Civil Service
16 
laws, rules and regulations.
17 
Sec. 46. Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service (CGIAS). - To maintain accountability
18 
in government service through discipline and efficiency, there shall be an Internal Affairs
19 
Service in the PCG. The CGIAS shall foster and promote accountability in government
20 
service within the PCG and follow the basic principles of integrity, objectivity,
21 
independence, confidentiality, professionalism, competence, courage, trust, honesty,
22 
fairness, forthrightness, public accountability and respect for others and themselves. It
23 
shall have the power to investigate and inquire into any and all activities of the PCG units
24 
and personnel, review processes, procedures and operations to determine if such were
25 
conducted effectively and efficiently.
26 
Sec. 47. Organization of a PCG Auxiliary (PCGA). - The PCG shall continue to
27 
maintain, supervise, develop and train the PCGA as a non-uniformed personnel volunteer
28 
organization under the direct control and supervision of the PCG Commandant. The PCGA
29 
shall assist the PCG in the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, the preservation
30 
of the marine environment and its resources, the conduct of maritime search and rescue.
21


1 
the maintenance of aids to navigation and such other activities that enhance maritime
2 
community relations which include civic action, participation under the National Service
3 
Training Program, youth development, recreational safety and other related activities.
4 
Sec. 48. Lateral Entry. - Active members of other uniformed services under the
5 
AFP, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and
6 
Bureau of Corrections may join the PCG through lateral entry. The rank for officers eligible
7 
for such entry must not be higher than Lieutenant Commander and Petty Officer Second
8 
Class for non-officers. Notwithstanding the corps they wish to join, all entrants shall only
9 
be accepted if, on or before time of entry, they: a) are not under investigation, b) are
10 
not on absence without leave (AWOL) status, c) are not serving sentence, whether
11 
administrative or criminal, d) have not been issued reprimand in the last two (2) years,
12 
or e) have not received an unfavorable rating in the latest performance rating.
13 
Flowever, if an entrant possesses specific skills that may not be readily developed
14 
in new recruits, lateral entry may be allowed for ranks higher than those mentioned
15 
above: Provided, That the new entrant can serve at least ten (10) years in PCG active
16 
service prior to reaching the mandatory retirement age.
17 
Sec. 49. Exemption from Attachment, Taxes, Charges and Fees. - Subject to the
18 
pertinent provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended, all
19 
retirement benefits granted by this Act, shall not be subject to attachment, levy, execution
20 
or any tax of whatever nature.
21 
In the establishment and operation of radar and radio stations and other
22 
communication facilities, the PCG shall not be subject to payment of charges and fees as
23 
imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC): Provided, That the PCG
24 
shall only use frequencies as may be allowed or assigned by the NTC consistent with
25 
international regulations and guidelines.
26 
Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, the PCG shall, in the performance
27 
of its functions, enjoy such rights and privileges enjoyed by other governmental and law
28 
enforcement agencies, instrumentalities, and government-owned and controlled
29 
corporations such as exemption from registration application for license, and payment of
30 
fees as imposed by other governmental agencies or regulatory bodies. Should the PCG
22


1 
be required to register or to file application, the fees to be charged shall only be in such
2 
minimal amount corresponding to the actual administrative cost necessary for the
3 
issuance of the permit, license or certificate.
4 
Sec. SO. Grants, Bequests, Donations and Loans. - Subject to the prior approval
5 
and clearance of the President or his authorized representative, the PCG may receive
6 
grants, bequests and donations whether from local or foreign sources for purposes
7 
relevant to their functions.
8 
The Secretary of DOTr may enter into loan agreement with foreign financial
9 
institutions, subject to the review of the Monetary Board of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
10 
and the Department of Finance.
11 
Sec. 51. PCG Properties and Lighthouse Reservations. - The PCG shall continue to
12 
exercise exclusive ownership, possession, management, control and supervision over all
13 
properties transferred to it by virtue of Executive Order No. 475 dated 30 March 1998
14 
and Executive Order No. 477 dated 15 April 1998, such as inter alia, vessels, watercrafts,
15 
firearms, armaments, munitions, communications and electronic equipment, vehicles,
16 
buildings, real state, lighthouse stations and reservations.
17 
Sec. 52. Establishment and Expansion of Coast Guard Bases, Equipment and
18 
Facilities. - In coordination with other appropriate government agencies, the PCG shall
19 
develop and enhance its capabilities in the performance of its mandated functions and
20 
establish its strategic presence. To this end, the PCG shall, through the guidance of
21 
Congress, draft its development plan that shall reflect its asset, equipment and facility
22 
requirement that includes but not limited to floating assets, laboratories, land-based
23 
support facilities, land mobility, arms and ammunition, rescue and hospital ship, maritime
24 
monitoring surveillance and communications system, port facilities, air assets and air
25 
stations.
26 
Sec. 53. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - For submission to the Secretary
27 
of DOTr for approval, the PCG, not later than one hundred twenty (120) days from the
28 
effectivity of this Act, shall issue rules and regulations, determine, fix or prescribe
29 
charges, rates, and penalties, as may be necessary, to implement its provisions, as well
23


1 
as the provisions of laws, issuances, decrees and orders related to the implementation of
2 
PCG functions.
3 
Sec. 54. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the initial implementation of
4 
this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the PCG. Thereafter,
5 
such amount shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
6 
Sec. 55. Transitory Provisions. - The provisions of this Act, as far as the
7 
computation of rate is concerned, shall have retroactive effect on the retirement benefits
8 
of non-officers whose retirement were affected by the implementation of Republic Act
9 
No. 9993, and the discrepancy as a result of applying this Act and Republic Act No. 9993
10 
shall be returned to the retiree. The same shall also be retroactively applicable to
11 
indexation of pension to base pay scale adjustments affected by Republic Act No. 9993:
12 
Provided, that the retirement benefits of the ranks of Admiral and Vice Admiral adversely
13 
affected by Joint Resolution No. 4 s. 2009, entitled: "Joint Resolution Authorizing the
14 
President of the Philippines to Modify the Compensation and Position Classification
15 
System of Civilian Personnel and the Base Pay Schedule of Military and Uniformed
16 
Personnel in the Government, and for Other Purposes", and Joint Resolution No. 1 s.
17 
2018, entitled: "Joint Resolution Authorizing the Increase in Base Pay of Military and
18 
Uniformed Personnel in the Government, and for Other Purposes", shall be adjusted in
19 
the same level as its contemporary ranks of General and Lieutenant General in the AFP
20 
and the PNP, respectively: Provided, further, that those affected by the above-mentioned
21 
Joint Resolutions shall be paid the difference in pay and allowances by reason thereof.
22 
Sec. 56. Separabiiity Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared
23 
unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
24 
effect.
25 
Sec. 57. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 9993 is hereby repealed and all laws,
26 
decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuance's or parts thereof
27 
which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
28 
accordingly.
29 
Sec. 58. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
30 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
24


Approved,
25