Ka RESEN.
* RECEIVED ‘2
DATBHL 28 2020 =

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No-_7197

Introduced by: Representatives Gil “Kabarangay Jr.” A. Acosta and Franz
“Chicoy” E. Alvarez

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article II, Section 17 of the Constitution provides that “The State shall
give priority to education to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress, and promote total human liberation and development.” This policy is
anchored on the State’s recognition of the protection of life, liberty, and
property, and promotion of the general welfare as essential for the enjoyment of
the people of the blessings of democracy.

This bill secks to establish the Philippine Coast Guard Academy to serve
as the overall administrative and operational educational institution in the field
of Maritime Law Enforcement and Administration in the country.

The Philippine Military Academy, the Philippine Merchant Marine
Academy and the Coast Guard Officer’s Course administered by the Coast
Guard Officer School are among the institutions which at present are the main
sources of Coast Guard Officers. However, these institutions could no longer
provide the proper training because of inadequate facilities and logistical
support.

Considering the various tasks given to the Philippine Coast Guard under
Republic Act No. 9993 and with the peculiarities of its being the premier
maritime law enforcement agency in the country, it is imperative that there must


be a dedicated educational institution that would specifically cater to the needs
of the Philippine Coast Guard and maritime law enforcement in general.

The Academy shall be established in a two hundred (200) hectare land
granted to the Coast Guard District Palawan by the Local Government, located
in Brgy. Apurawan, Aborlan, Palawan. The location is ideal considering its
different terrains consisting of sea, land and mountain.

Thus, in order to promote to the highest degree possible the enhancement
and development of maritime law enforcement and administration, research and
training in the country, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

GIL “Kabarangay Jr.” A. ACOSTA
Representative
3" District of Palawan

FRANZ “Chicoy” E. ALVAREZ
Representative
1" District of Palawan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. = __7197

Introduced by: Representatives Gil “Kabarangay Jr.” A. Acosta and Franz
“Chicoy” E. Alvarez

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD
ACADEMY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Coast Guard Academy Act of 2020.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to promote the welfare and modernization of the Philippine Coast
Guard geared towards the enhancement of the Service by ensuring adequate and
professional Officers that will perform the multifarious tasks and functions of
the Philippine Coast Guard.

SEC. 3. Establishment of the Philippinen Coast Guard Academy. - In
furtherance of the policy enunciated in Section 2 of this Act, an educational
institution known as the Philippine Coast Guard Academy (PCGA) shall be
established at Apurawan, Aborlan, Palawan for the training of selected
candidates for permanent commission as officers in the Philippine Coast Guard
Corps of Officers.

SEC. 4. Objectives. - The Philippine Coast Guard Academy shall be
established to serve as the overall administrative and operational educational


23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
a4
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64

institution in the field of Maritime Law Enforcement and Administration in the
country. It shall aim to promote to the highest degree possible, the enhancement
and development of maritime law enforcement and administration, research and
training in the country.

SEC. 5. Organization and Administration. - The Philippine Coast
Guard Academy shall be autonomous from the Coast Guard Education and
Training Command, however both shall work hand in hand in developing the
doctrinal programs and values applicable to both, taking into consideration the
customs and traditions of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Philippine Coast Guard Academy shall be headed by the
superintendent who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon
the recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation from
among the Flag Officers in the Coast Guard service. The Superintendent shall
have a maximum term of three (3) years.

SEC. 6. The Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board. - The
Philippine Coast Guard Academy shall have a Board to be composed of the
following:
(a) The Deputy Commandant for Administration as Chairman of the
Board;

(b) The Superintendent as the Vice-Chairman of the Board;

(c)The Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Education and Training
Command as member;

(d)Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Maritime Safety Services
Command as member;

(e) Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection
Command as member;

(f) Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Maritime Security command as

member;

(g)Dean of the Philippine Coast Guard Corps of Professors as member;

and

(h) Dean of Civilian Faculty as member.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board shall, in
addition to their pay, allowances, and collateral entitlement under Republic Act
No. 9993 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, be entitled to per diem
for every board meeting actually attended and reimbursement of actual and
necessary expenses incurred. The Board shall fix the amount of per diem its
members may be entitled to, subject to the pertinent budgetary laws, rules, and
regulations on compensation, honoraria and allowances.


66

105

SEC. 7. Duties and Powers of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy

Board. - The Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board shall have the following
duties and powers in addition to its general powers of administration:

(a) To confer such degree as may be determined by the Academic Council
to successful candidates for graduation;

(b)To appoint, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, civilian
instructors, professors and other employees of the Academy, to fix
and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members and other
employees; to determine their hours of service, and such other terms
and conditions as it may deem proper; and to remove them for causes
as provided by law after due investigation and proper hearing;

(c)To approve the curricula, rules of discipline, and creation of the
different departments drawn up by the Academic Council as herein
under provided;

(d) To provide academic fellowship and scholarship for members of the
Corps of Professors and Faculty Member;

(e)To provide rules for the administration of the Academy such as
general ordinances and regulations consistent with the provisions
herein;

(f) To receive in trust legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal
property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when
necessary for the benefit of the Academy or for the aid of the cadets,
in accordance with the directions and instructions of the donor, and,
in default thereof, in such manner as the Academy Board may, in its
discretion, determine;

(g) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the
support of the Academy;

(h)To manage and utilize such income as maybe generated by the
Academy for the maintenance, support, and improvement of the same;
and

(i) To authorize the Superintendent to enter into Contract, Memorandum
of Understanding / Agreement, and such other instrument, to the
extent as may be allowed by law, relative to the performance of his /
her powers and functions and for the effective implementation of the
provisions herein.

SEC. 8.- Progress Report. - Within thirty (30) days after the close of the

Academic Year, the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board shall file with the
Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard a detailed report setting forth the
progress, condition, and needs of the Academy.


107
108
109
110
14a
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143

145
146
147
148
149

SEC. 9. - Section 8. The Academic Council. - There shall be an
‘Academic Council consisting of the Superintendent and the Directors of all the
departments of the Academy. The Academic Council shall have the power to
determine the applicable tuition fees and academic charges; prescribe the
curricula, promulgate rules of discipline; and propose for the creation of
various departments as it may be necessary, subject to the approval of the
Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board.

It shall fix the requirements for admission to the Academy as well as for
graduation and the conferment of a degree. The Academic Council alone shall
have the power to recommend students or others to be recipients of degrees.

SEC. 10. - Corps of Professors. - The Corps of Professors shall form
part of the Faculty of the Academy. It shall be composed of the Philippine Coast
Guard Uniformed Personnel who are permanently assigned with the Academy.
The qualifications for admission to the Corps of Professors shall be determined
by the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Council. The same shall be headed by
a Dean who shall be selected by the Philippine Coast Guard Academic Council
from among the members of the Corps of Professors.

A separate career pattern shall be promulgated by the Philippine Coast
Guard Organization for the professional advancement and promotion of the
members of the Corps of Professors within three (3) months from the
effectivity of this act.

SEC. 11. - The Faculty. - The body of Civilian Professors and
Instructors of the Academy shall constitute the Faculty of the Academy. It shall
be headed by a Dean who shall be appointed by the Superintendent upon
recommendation by the members of the Faculty. In the appointment of
Professors and Instructors of the Academy, neither religious test shall be applied
nor shall the religious opinions or affiliations of the faculty of the Academy be
made a matter of examination or inquiry. Provided, however, that no Professor
or Instructor in the Academy shall inculcate sectarian tenets in any of their
teachings or attempt either directly or indirectly, under penalty or dismissal by
the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board, to influence students of the
Academy for or against any particular church or religious sect.

SEC. 12. - Relevant Civil Service and Licensure Examinations. - The
civilian Professors and Instructors in the Academy must have passed the
relevant civil service or licensure examinations as a requisite for appointment.

The Philippine Coast Guard Academic Council may require from both
members of the Corps of Professors and Faculty additional educational


150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187

189
190
191

training, schooling, and Masters and Doctorate degrees to raise the academic
standards of the Academy. The same will be adopted in the career pattern of the
members of the Corps of Professors. Similarly, it may also be used as basis for
the promotion and career advancement of the members of the Faculty.

SEC. 13. - The Registrar. - There shall be a Register of the Academy
appointed by the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board. He or she shall sit as
the Secretariat of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board and shall be the
custodian of all the records of the same. He or she shall also fulfill such other
duties and responsibilities as the Superintendent may direct.

SEC. 14. - Philippine Coast Guard Cadets. - Cadets shall be admitted
to the Philippine Coast Guard Academy upon the approval of the Commandant
of the Philippine Coast Guard. Provided that they meet the qualifications and
entry requirements prescribed herein.

Their years of Government Service shall start on the date of their
admission to the Philippine Coast Guard Academy for purposes of computation
of Philippine Coast Guard Active Service and entitlement to long pay benefits.

SEC. 15. - Exchange Program. - The Academy may admit students
from the counterparts of the Philippine Coast Guard from foreign Coast Guard
/ Naval / Maritime Police Organizations, especially those from members of the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Cadets. This is to foster
regional cooperation and facilitate the coordination among the aforementioned
organizations. Similarly, the Academy may send Cadets to the appropriate
Academy of the aforementioned organizations.

Students from the foreign Coast Guard / Naval / Maritime Police
Organizations, which provide scholarship and sponsorship from their own
academy to Cadets sent by the Academy, shall also receive corresponding
privileges from the Academy. Otherwise, they shall be required to pay such fees
and charges as may be determined by the Academic Council. Upon graduation,
they shall then return to their respective organizations.

SEC 16. The Philippine Coast Guard Academy Cadet Corps. - The
Philippine Coast Guard Academy Cadet Corps shall be the Student Body of the
Philippine Coast Guard Academy. It shall be composed of Philippine Coast
Guard Cadets, and Foreign Cadets. Provided, that the Foreign Cadets shall not
exceed ten percent (10%) of the total student population of the Academy.

SEC. 17. Qualifications and Entry Requirements. - All Cadets shall be
selected from among the candidates by the Academic Council. The minimum


192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234

qualifications for admission to the Philippine Coast Guard Academy are as
follows:

(a) Must be natural born Filipino citizen (applicable only to candidates
for Philippine Coast Guard cadets);

(b) Single with no parental obligations;

(c) Must be in good physical condition;

(d) Must neither be less than seventeen (17) nor more than twenty-two
(22) years of age on the first day of the Academic Year; and

(e) At least Secondary Level Graduate (Senior High School or its
Equivalent)

The Academic Council may determine such other requirements for
admission to the Philippine Coast Guard Academy, as may be necessary, that
are applicable either separately for the Philippine Coast Guard Cadets or for
Foreign Cadets only or applicable for both Filipino and Foreign Cadets.

SEC. 18. Discipline and Justice System. - Within three (3) months from
the effectivity of this Act, the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board shall
prepare the discipline and justice system applicable to all cadets of the
Academy, subject to the approval of the Philippine Coast Guard Commandant.

SEC. 19. Commission to the Active Philippine Coast Guard Service. -
Upon satisfactory completion of the course of instruction at the Philippine Coast
Guard Academy, Cadets shall be commissioned as Ensigns in the active
Philippine Coast Guard Service with relative seniority in the order of their final
general academic standings.

Philippine Coast Guard Cadets who shall suffer, before graduation,
permanent and total disability by reason of injury or sickness while in the
Academy shall be considered as retired from service with the rank of Cadet and
shall be entitled to the retirement benefits of an Ensign in the Philippine Coast
Guard.

SEC. 20. Conferment of the Degree. - Graduates of the Philippine
Coast Guard Academy shall be conferred the Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree.
The Philippine Coast Guard Academic Council shall develop such curricula that
will cater to the primary functions of the Philippine Coast Guard under Republic
Act No. 9993 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, responsive to the
needs of the maritime stakeholders and the maritime interest of the Country,
subject to the approval of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board. The said
curricula will then be endorsed to the Commission on Higher Education for
accreditation and approval.


235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245,
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254

256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
an
272
273
274
275
276
277

SEC. 21. Masters and Doctorate Degree. - The Philippine Coast Guard
Academy may also offer Masters and Doctorate Degrees for qualified
Philippine Coast Guard Personnel who desire to obtain advance knowledge on
relevant maritime concerns and enhance their professional capabilities.

The said Masters and Doctorate Degrees may be offered to other students,
both local and foreign who are non-Philippine Coast Guard personnel, subject to
corresponding fees that may be approved by the Philippine Coast Guard
Academy Board.

SEC. 22 . Pay, Allowances, and Collateral Entitlements. - Members of
the Philippine Coast Guard Corps of Professors and other Philippine Coast
Guard Uniformed Personnel assigned at the Philippine Coast Guard Academy
shall receive such pay, allowances, and collateral entitlements corresponding to
their ranks as provided under Republic Act No. 9993 and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations.

Members of the Faculty and other civilian personnel appointed as such in
the Philippine Coast Guard Academy shall receive the pay, allowances, and
collateral entitlements enjoyed by their counterparts in the Philippine National
Police Academy or Philippine Military Academy, whichever is higher, subject
to applicable rules and regulations.

Philippine Coast Guard Cadets shall receive pay and allowances as
provided under Republic Act No. 9993 and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations reckoned from admission in the Academy.

SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within three (3)
months from the effectivity of this Act, the Philippine Coast Guard shall
formulate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations and prescribe the
procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the same for approval by
the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Similarly, the Table of Organization and Equipment , including the
Plantilla Positions of members of the Faculty and other civilian personnel of
the Academy shall be prepared by the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Board
for approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

SEC. 24. Appropriations. - For carrying out the purposes and
provisions of this Act, the sum of one billion eight hundred million pesos (Php
1,800,000,000.00) shall be appropriated for the purposes of the establishment of
the Philippine Coast Guard Academy. It shall be treated as a separate and
distinct budget item from the regular appropriations of the Philippine Coast


278
279

281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291

292

293
294
295

296
297

298

239

300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315

Guard. It shall be implemented in a staggered basis. Five hundred million pesos
(Php 500,000,000.00) will be released by the Department of Budget and
Management annually for the two (2) succeeding years. An additional eight
hundred million pesos (Php 800,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated for the
purpose of acquiring a modem training ship for the Philippine Coast Guard
Academy to supplement classroom instructions.

Thereafter, the amount of sixty million pesos (Php 60,000,000.00) shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act for the maintenance and
operation of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy.

SEC. 25. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or
provision of this Act shall be deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the other
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected and shall remain in force and
effect.

SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, decrees,
instructions, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with any provision
of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,