lilGHTEEN I H CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
)
SENA TE
S. No. 2322
I vf L. I V L L/
E-FILED
:. July 26 2021 rn
8:00 a.m.
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM AND 
REORGANIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD, REVISING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9993,01’HERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE "PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD LAW OF 2009v
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was first established in 1967 ihrousih the
issuance of Republic Act (RA) No. 5173'. which placed it under the Philippine 
Navy.
I he PCG was transferred in 1998 to then Department of Communications 
and Transportation as an attached agency through the issuance of Executive Order 
(EO) No. 475- and EO No. 477\ These two executive orders embodied not just the 
transler but the organization, administration and welfare of the personnel as well. 
These changes were supposed to be institutionalized in RA No. 99934, which was 
promulgated m 2010. to reflect the intent and substance of the executive orders.
Unfortunately, more than a decade after its effeclivity. several gaps were 
found in the personnel, administration and organization areas, which negatively 
impacted the agency, especially the pension of its personnel.
In 2019. the PCG was able to secure an opinion from the Department of 
Justice (DOJ) that the personnel benefits that the Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM) claims to no longer be available to the PCG are still 
lightlully due to the Coast Guard uniformed personnel. DOJ opined that RA No. 
093 should not be read on its own but in light of other issuanees, such as the
‘ An Act Crealmg a Phi|ippine Coast Guard, Prescribing its Powers and Functions, Appropriating the Necessary 
Funds Therefor, and For Other Purposes. Approved: August 4,1967.
^ Transferring the Philippine Coast Guard from the Department Of National Defense to the Office of the President 
and For Other Purposes. Signed: March 30, 1998.
15rai998mnS the PhiliPPine C0aSt Guard t0 the DePa' tment of Transportation and Communications. Signed: April
An Act Establishing the Philippine Coast Guard as an Armed and Uniformed Service Attached to the Department
0 Transportation and Communications, Thereby Repealing Republic Act No. 5173, as Amended, and For Other 
Purposes. Approved: Feb 12, 2010.


cxcculive orders that transferred the PCG, EO No. 475 and EO No. 477. where it 
was clearly provided in Section 6 of both executive orders that PCG uniformed 
personnel shall continue to be covered by PD No. 1638, as amended. Eurthcr, 
DO.I mentioned that in Section 14 of RA No. 9993. PCG unilbrmed personnel 
shall continue to receive salaries and other benefits as that enjoyed by their 
counterparts in the AFP until a personnel benefits law specific to PCG is enacted.
A reading of RA No. 9993 shows that the law is silent on the matter, and the 
provisions on administration and organization are indeed too vague. For these 
reasons, a comprehensive revision of RA No. 9993 is necessary to resolve the
issues involved and to have an administrative and organizational reform in the 
agency.
This measure seeks to revise RA No. 9993 to enable the PCG to belter 
accomplish its mandate and to best serve the Filipino people, considering the 
.sensitivity and lelevance of the maritime Juri.sdietion of the Philippines coupled 
with the challenges that the Government is facing regionally and internationally 
relating to the application of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
T TMO 
T>TA/TT7,XTrr
AQUILTNO “KOKO” PIMENTEL III


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2322
LbLi V Lu
E -FILED
I ■ July 26 2021 rn
8:00 a.m.
St til;/" (NfO
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
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AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM 
AND REORGANIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD, 
REVISING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9993, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD
LAW OF 2009”
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Phdippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION I. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the 
"Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law. "
SEC. 2. Philippine Coast Guard. - The Philippine Coast Guard 
(1 CG), established under Republic Act No. 9993 as an armed and 
uniformed service attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) 
shall continue as such upon the effectivity of this Act: 
Provided, That in times of war, as declared by Congress, the PCG or parts 
thereof, shall be attached to the Department of National Defense (DND).
SEC. 3. I owers and Functions. - The PCG shall have the following 
powers and functions:
a)
b)
To enloice regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime 
international conventions, treaties or instruments and national 
laws foi the promotion of safety of life and property at sea 
within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines and conduct 
port state control implementation;
To conduct 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


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standards, rules and regulations;
c) 1 o detain, stop or prevent a ship or vessel which does not comply 
with safety standards, rules and regulations from sailing or 
leaving port;
d) 1 o conduct emergency readiness evaluation on merchant marine 
vessels;
e) Subject to the approval of the Secretary of the DOTr 
( fiansportation), to issue and enforce rules and regulations for 
the promotion of safety of life and property at sea on all maritime- 
related activities;
0 lo coordinate, develop, establish, maintain and operate aids to 
navigation, vessel traffic system, maritime communications and 
seaich and rescue facilities within the maritime jurisdiction of 
the Philippines;
g) To remove, destroy or tow to port, sunken or floating hazards to 
navigation, including illegal fish traps and vessels, at or close to 
sea lanes which may cause hazards to the marine environment;
h) lo 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) lo lendei 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 
peifoimance of this function, the PCG may enlist the services of 
other government agencies and the merchant marine fleet;
J) To investigate and inquire into the causes of all maritime 
accidents involving death, casualties and damage to properties;
k) To assist in and implement the enforcement and maintenance of 
maritime security, prevention or suppression of terrorism at sea, 
and peifoimance of law enforcement functions in accordance 
with pertinent laws, rules and regulations;
l) 
fo assist in the enforcement of laws on fisheries, immigration, 
tai iff and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human 
tial ticking, dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals, 
tiansnational crimes and other applicable laws within the 
maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines;
m) To boaid and inspect all types of merchant ships and watercrafts 
in the performance of this functions;
n) To enforce laws and promulgate and administer rules and 
regulations for the protection of marine environment and 
resources from offshore sources of pollution within the maritime
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Jurisdiction of the Philippines;
o) To develop oil spill response, containment and recovery 
capabilities against ship-based pollution;
p) To grant, within its 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 cariying out its mandated 
functions;
i) To perform such other functions that may be necessary in the 
attainment of the objectives of this Act; and
s) To enhance its capability during emergencies, the PCG may 
recommend to the President to issue rules and regulations 
pertaining to assistance and support of the Philippine Navy in 
the exercise of its functions.
SEC. 4. The PCG Coitimandant. — The PCG shall be headed by a 
Commandant who shall have the rank of Admiral which shall be 
equivalent to the rank and pay rate of the Chief of Staff of the Armed 
forces of the Philippines and the Chief of the Philippine National Police: 
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 District Commander and Functional 
Service Commander. I'he Commandant shall have a maximum term of 
(3) three years or upon reaching the age of fifty-six (56) years old 
whichever comes earlier. However, if the maximum term is reached 
before reaching the age of 56, the Commandant shall be compulsorily 
retired at term s end with all the benefits appertaining thereto.
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Commandant.
Commandant shall exercise the following powers and functions:
'he
a) Under the authority and direction of the President, shall be 
responsible for the elaboration and execution of national 
maritime laws relating to the functions of the PCG;
b) Direct and control strategic as well as tactical movements, 
deployment, placement, utilization of the PCG or any of its units 
and personnel, including its equipment, facilities and other 
resources: Provided, that the Commandant may delegate this 
power to subordinate officials with respect to the units under the 
latter s command, subject to the guidelines as the Commandant 
may prescribe in accordance with existing laws, rules and
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regulations;
c) Prescribe, in accordance to existing laws, the organization or re­
organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff, 
services, installation and other units of the PCG;
d) Issue policies and instructions regarding personnel, funds, 
properties, records, correspondence and such other matters as 
may be necessary to effectively carry out the functions, 
powers and duties of the PCG, in accordance with existing laws, 
rules and regulations;
e) Appoint, enlist and call to active duty any draftee, non­
commissioned officers, and call to active duty members of the 
officers’ corps;
f) Approve the recommendation of the different promotion and/or 
assignment boards and ensure observance of merit and fitness in 
the process of promotion and assignment;
g) Exercise disciplinary authority overall uniformed personnel and 
civilian employees of the PCG; and
h) Perform any task or directive issued by the President.
Such command and direction of the Commandant may be delegated 
to SLiboidinate officials with respect to the units under their respective 
commands, in accordance with the rules and regulation prescribed under 
existing laws.
SEC. 6. Organization. - The PCG organizational structure shall be 
headed by a Commandant with the rank of Admiral, assisted by the 
Deputy Commandant for Operation and Deputy Commandant for 
Administration both with the rank of Vice Admiral. It is divided into three 
functional service commands, namely, maritime safety, marine 
enviionmental protection and maritime security. Other service commands, 
major and support units, are categorized as administrative support, 
opeiating commands, operational support, technical services and special 
service commands. They include the following;
a) Administrative support commands - Education and Training,
Intel nal Affairs, Surface Support force. Human Resource
Management Service and Logistics and Finance;
b) The operational support commands - Weapons, Communications,
Elect!onics. Information System Service, Special Operations
force. Aviation Force, and Canine Enforcement Force;
c) The technical services - the .fudge Advocate General’s Service
Command, Medical Service, Ecumenical Service, Dental Service,
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Veterinary Service, Medical Administrative Corps, Nurse Corps, 
and other technical services tliat may or hereinafter be created as 
needed;
d) Operating commands are the fifteen (15) districts located 
nationwide covering specific areas of responsibilities composed of 
stations which in turn have field offices called sub-stations down 
to detachments or posts. These coast guard districts are: National 
Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGD NCR-CL), Central Visayas 
(CGD CV), Southwestern Mindanao (CGD SWM), Southeastern 
Mindanao (CGD SEM), Palawan (CGD PAL), Western Visayas 
(CGD WV), Southern Tagalog (CGD STL), Northern Mindanao 
(CGD NM), Bicol (CGD BCL), Northwestern Luzon (CGD 
NWL), Eastern Visayas (CGD EV), Northeastern Luzon (CGD 
EL), Southern Visayas (CGD SV), Southern Mindanao (CGD 
SM), Northeastern Mindanao (CGD NEM); and
e) The Special Services are the Legislative Liaison Affairs, 
Community Relations Service, Finance Service, Internal Audit, 
C enter for Strategic Studies and Accounting Service.
The foregoing is the basic structure of the PCG, although the 
Commandant may, in the interest of public service, create units and/or 
leoiganize the units under the PCG that shall be forwarded to the 
Secietaiy ol Transportation for adoption and submission to the 
Organization, Position Classification and Compensation Bureau (OPCCB) 
of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Provided, That the 
minimum manning level of the PCG shall be computed based on the total 
coastline of the Philippines with two (2) uniformed personnel per one (1) 
kilometei of coastline. Provided further. That the functional commands, 
administrative support units, operational support units, operating units, 
technical services, and special services shall possess the authority and 
responsibilities and perform all duties and functions of the PCG within 
their individual area of responsibility including but not limited to 
discipline, finance and procurement. Provided, Finally, That the ranks of 
all unifoimed peisonnel in the PCG whether officer or enlisted personnel 
shall be the same and equal as that used and observed in the AFP and PNP 
including in the pay grade/rate and benefits.
SEC. 7. - Personnel. - The 
categories of personnel:
PCG shall consist of the following
a) Officer - refers to uniformed member of the PCG who is 
commissioned as officer by the President and belongs to the
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officers’ corps;
b) Enlisted personnel — general term for uniformed member of the 
PCG vvitli ranks below commissioned officers and performs jobs 
specific to their occupational specialty. There are three categories 
of enlisted personnel, namely, strikers for those in grades E-1 to E- 
3, junior non-commissioned officers for those in grades E-4 to E6 
and senior non-commissioned officers for ranks with equivalent 
grades of E-7 to E-10;
c) Civilian employee — refers to the non-uniformed members of the 
PCG who are appointed and employed under the Civil Service 
laws, rules and regulations;
d) Probationary Ensign - refers to a person who is called to active 
duty but awaiting commissionship into the PCG or awaiting 
training;
e) Draftee - refers to a person who has completed basic training and 
is awaiting enlistment into the PCG active service;
O Cadet - refers to a person who is enrolled in service academies 
under the sponsorship of the PCG;
g) Candidate - refers to a person who is undergoing basic training for 
commissionship; and
h) Trainee — refers to a person who is undergoing training to qualify 
as member of the enlisted personnel’s corps of the PCG.
SEC. 8. Rank Classification. - The ranks/grades of PCG Office
shall be as follows:
RANK 
ACRONYIVr
PAY GRADE
Admiral
ADM
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Vice Admiral
VADM
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Rear Admiral
RADM
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Commodore
COMMO
0-7
Captain
CAPT
0-6
Commander
CDR
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Lieutenant Commander
LCDR
0-4
Lieutenant Senior Grade
LTSG
0-3
Lieutenant Junior Grade
LTJG
0-2
Ensign
ENS
0-1
SEC. 9. Technical Officers. — Following are the professionals that 
may join the PCG service as technical officers:
a) Lawyers


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b) Doctors
c) Priests, Pastors, Imam, and other certified clerics
d) Dentists
e) Nurses
i) Clinical Psychologists
g) Physical Therapists
h) Chemists
i) Medical Technologists
Other professions not listed may be included as part of the 
Technical Services should the need for them arise.
^CG
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 .lunior Grade and Coast Guard Ensign; 
Piovided, That such distribution is based on the ratio between officer and 
enlisted personnel which is one (I) officer to eveiy seven (7) enlisted 
personnel: Provided, finally. That if the actual number in a rank is less 
than the numbei 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 Hag 
ranks shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the total population of
officers distributed observing the pyramidal structure as hereunder 
prescribed:
Vice Admiral 
Rear Admiral 
Commodore
Total
0.15% 
0.35% 
1.50%
2.00%
I lovided, That if the actual number in a rank, except in the case of 
Admiial and Vice Admiral, is less than the number herein prescribed, 
the diflerence may be applied as an increase to the number prescribed 
in the lowei lank: Provided, finally. That no officer shall be promoted to
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the rank of Coast Guard Commodore or higher unless there is an 
existing vaeaney, and the officer is occupying a position in the table of 
organization that requires the rank of which he is being considered for 
promotion.
SEC. 12. Maximum Tenure in Rank. — The maximum tenure of 
officers in the ranks of Captain and Flag Officers 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 Mag Officers shall be compulsorily retired 
upon the attainment oi the maximum tenure in rank herein prescribed, or 
upon reaching the age of compulsoiy retirement whichever comes 
eailiei. Provided, That Captains or flag ofilcers who have not reached 
the age of letirement 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. - Officers holding the 
lollowing key positions are hereby limited to a maximum tenure of three 
(3) years, unless otherwise earlier relieved by competent authority or 
compulsorily retired under existing laws:
a) Commandant
b) Deputy Commandant
c) Functional Service Commander
Provided, That except for the Commandant, no other officer shall 
be assigned/designated to the aforementioned key positions or promoted 
to die rank of Commodore or higher if they have less than one (1) year of 
active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement.
SEC. 14. Ranks and Grades of Enlisted Personnel.
ranks/grades of PCG enlisted personnel shall be as follows:
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The


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RANK 
ACRONYM 
PAY GRADE
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First Master Chief Petty Officer
FMCPO
E-10
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Master Chief Petty Officer
MCPO
E-9
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Senior Chief Petty Officer
SCPO
E-8
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Chief Petty Officer
CPO
E-7
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Petty Officer First Class
POl
E-6
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Petty Officer Second Class
P02
E-5
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Petty Officer Third Class
P03
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Seaman/Seawoman First Class.
SNl/SWl
E-3
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Seaman/Seawoman Second Class
SN2/SW2
E-2
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Apprentice Seaman/Seawoman
ASN/ASW
E-1
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SEC. 15. Maximum Tenure in Rank for Enlisted Personnel. -
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The maximum tenure of senior enlisted personnel in the ranks of Chief
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Petty Officer to First Master Chief Petty Officer in the PCG are as
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follows:
J.O
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Rank
Maximum
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Tenure in Rank
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First Master Chief Petty Officer Three (3) years 
Master Chief Petty Officer Three (3) years 
Senior Chief Petty Officer 
Five (5) years
Chid Petty Officer 
Eight (8) years
Any personnel holding lower ranks than the above who stays in a 
rank for ten (10) years without being promoted to the next higher rank 
shall be evaluated by the Re-enlistment Fitness Board who shall verify 
suitability to continue in service and submit a recommendation for the 
appioval oi the Commandant: Provided, That the original enlistment term 
in the PCG shall be three (3) years, and subsequent re-enlistment shall be for 
the teim ot six (6) years, with the application for re-enlistment to be 
reviewed by the Re-enlistment Fitness Board for recommendation to the 
Commandant for approval: Provided, further. That the uniform allowance 
shall be payable every three (3) years after complying with the physical 
fitness test.
SEC. 16. Civilian Employees. — There shall be civilian positions 
within eveiy oflice ot the PCG. The head of the civilian employees in the 
PCG shall occupy a rank ot Director III. The civilian employees shall 
establish their own plantilla positions to complement the strength of the 
PCG uniformed personnel.


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SEC. 17. 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 salety ot life and property at sea, the preservation of the marine 
environment and its resources, the conduct of maritime search and 
lesciie, the maintenance of aids to navigation and such other activities 
that enhance maritime community relations which include civic action, 
participation under the National Service draining Program, youth 
development, recreational safety and other related activities.
SEC. 18. Appointments. - Appointments of PCG officers, which 
shall be in the initial rank ot Coast Guard Ensign, shall be commissioned 
as such by the President upon the recommendation of the PCG 
Commandant.
The initial entry ranks tor technical otficers like lawyers, medical 
doctors and ecumenical clerics shall be in the rank of Lieutenant Senior 
Grade, dentists and veterinarians shall be Lieutenant Junior Grade, while 
nurses and chemists shall be commissioned in the rank of Ensign. 
Appointment of other licensed professionals that may be required later 
shall be based on the ranking of licensure and courses issued by 
competent authority.
The appointment of the PCG Commandant and Flag Officers shall 
be approved by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretai'y of 
Tiansportation. Appointments of all PCG enlisted personnel shall be made 
by the PCG Commandant. Appointments as well as the promotion of all 
non-unilormed PCG personnel shall be in accordance with the Civil 
Service Commission (CSC) laws, rules and regulations.
SEC. 19. Basic Qualification for Uniformed Personnel. - To
qualify as otticer or enlisted personnel of the PCG, applicant shall possess 
the following at the time of application:
a) A natural born citizen ol the Philippines;
b) A person of good moral conduct;
c) Must have passed the psychiatric/ psychological, drug and 
physical tests to be administered by the PCG Medical 
Service or by any PCG accredited government hospital
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tor the purpose of determining physical and mental 
health;
d) Must possess a formal baccalaureate degree with 
appropriate license when applicable or professional civil 
service eligibility for appointment as officer and must 
have tinished at least seventy-two (72) non-repetitive 
units of college education or senior high school graduate 
with six (6) months d’ESDA skills course related to the 
functions of PCG for appointment as enlisted personnel 
upon effectivity of this act; and
e) Must not have been dishonorably discharged from 
military employment or dismissed for cause from any 
civilian position in the government.
SEC. 20. Lateral Entry. - Active members of other uniformed 
services under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine 
National Police (PNP), Bureau ot Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail 
Management and Penology (BJMP) may Join the PCG through lateral 
entry. 1 he rank for officers eligible for such entiy must not be higher than 
Lieutenant Commander and Petty Officer Second Class for enlisted 
personnel. Notwithstanding the corps they wish to Join, all entrants shall 
only be accepted if, on or before time of entry, they: a) are not under 
investigation, b) are not on absence without leave (AWOL) status, c) are 
not serving sentence, whether administrative or criminal, d) have not been 
issued reprimand in the last two (2) years, or e) have not received an 
unfavorable rating in the latest performance rating.
^ However, if an entrant possesses specific skills that may not be 
readily developed in new recruits, lateral entry may be allowed for ranks 
higher than those mentioned above: Provided, That the new entrant can 
serve at least ten (10) years in PCG aetive service prior to reaching the 
mandatory retirement age.
SEC. 21. Promotions of Officers and Enlisted Personnel. - 1'he 
promotion of PCG officers and enlisted personnel shall be based on merit 
and fitness in accordance with the following procedures:
a)Officers shall only be promoted after undergoing 
deliberation before promotion boards: Provided, That 
promotion boards shall submit the results of their 
deliberation to the Commandant for approval and 
corresponding endorsement to the Secretary of
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Transportation for transmittal to the President for 
approval; and
b)7’here shall also be appropriate promotion boards for 
enlisted personnel whose recommendation shall be 
submitted to the Commandant for approval.
Provided, further, That at the time of promotion, the officer or 
enlisted personnel concerned shall possess all the qualifications and none 
ol the disqualifications provided under pertinent laws, rules and 
regulations, specifically on the completion of the required career course, 
training, examination and minimum time-in-grade as applicable for 
specific ranks.
SEC. 22. Salaries and Other Benefits. — The uniformed personnel 
o( 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 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.
SEC. 23. Longevity Pay and Allowances. — Uniformed personnel 
of the PCG shall be entitled to a longevity pay of ten percent (10%) of 
their basic monthly salaries for every five (5) years of continuous active 
service, which shall be reckoned from the date of actual service in the 
PCG: Provided, That the totality of such longevity pay shall not exceed 
fifty percent (50%) of the basic pay. They shall also continue to enjoy the 
subsistence allowance, quarters allowance, clothing allowance, cost of 
living allowance, hazard pay, and other allowances but not limited to sea 
duty pay, flying pay, lawyers incentive pay, occupational specialty pay, 
magna carta for medical workers, specialization pay, instructors duty 
pay, combat pay for officers and enlisted personnel of the PCG 
peiloiming combat duties/activities or engaged in actual performance of 
functions as defined in regulations to be issued by the Commandant and 
all other applicable allowances as provided by existing laws: Provided, 
further. That there shall be collateral allowances for specific duties 
actually performed for which the PCG shall also issue specific policy for 
approval of the President.
SEC. 24. Gender Sensitivity Program. — Gender concerns should 
be addiessed in all planning activities, setting of priorities, allocating of 
resources and identifying actions and activities of the PCG. It should also
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incorporate a gender sensitive perspective in the implementation of such 
plans and programs.
Gender sensitivity shall also be mainstreamed 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.
SEC. 25. Disciplinary System. The PCG shall adopt the Military 
Justice System which shall be applicable to all its uniformed personnel. 
Civilian employees shall be covered under the disciplinaiy rules of the 
Civil Service. The Commandant shall be assisted by the Coast Guard 
Internal Affairs in enforcing discipline and order within its ranks though 
lor disciplinary issues depending on gravity, unit commanders shall 
exercise disciplinary powers over personnel under their command. The 
PCG shall within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, issue 
policies, rules and procedures applying military Justice system based on 
the provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 408, amended by RA No. 516, 
RA No. 242, PD No. 1968 and PD No.l 166: Provided, That for civilian 
employees, the PCG shall issue rules and procedures implementing Book 
VII of EO No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987 and the Civil 
Service laws.”
SEC. 26. Disciplinary Authority. The Commandant exercises 
disciplinaiy authority at any time over all personnel of the PCG. The 
authoiity to discipline shall also be exercised by unit commanders and 
Commanding Officers including Station Commanders, Sub-Station 
Commanders, head of Morning Report Carrying Units.
SEC. 27. Jurisdiction. — A complaint or a charge filed against a 
PCG member shall be heard and decided exclusively by the disciplining 
authority who has acquired original jurisdiction over the case 
notwithstanding the existence of concurrent jurisdiction as regards the 
offense.
SEC. 28. Legal Assistance. — 1 he Secretary of the Department of 
Justice (Justice), the Secretaiy of Transportation, or the Commandant of 
the PCG may authorize lawyers of their respective agencies to provide 
legal assistance to any member of the PCG charged with an offense or 
crime resulting from the performance or on occasion of official duty. The
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government lawyers so authorized shall have the power to administer 
oaths. The Secretary of Justice, the Secretary of Transportation, and the 
Commandant of the PCG shall jointly promulgate rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this section.
SEC. 29. Power to Administer Oaths. - Officers of the PCG in the 
active service with the grade of 0-5 or when designated with appropriate 
orders as administrative officer of a unit, shall have the power to 
administer oaths on matters which are connected with the performance of 
their official duties. Senior non-commissioned officers (grades E-7 to 
ElO) who are designated through appropriate orders, as Chief-Master-At- 
Arms (CMAA) or unit master chief are also empowered to administer 
oaths.
SEC. 30. Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service (CGIAS). - To 
maintain accountability in government service through discipline and 
efliciency, there shall be an Internal Affairs Service (IAS) in the PCG. 
The CGIAS shall foster and promote accountability in government 
service within the PCG and follow the basic principles of integrity, 
objectivity, independence, confidentiality, professionalism, competence, 
courage, trust, honesty, fairness, forthrightness, public accountability, 
and respect for others and themselves. It shall have the power to 
investigate and inquire into any and all activities of the PCG units and 
personnel, review processes, procedures and operations to determine if 
such were conducted effectively and efficiently.
The personnel ol the CGIAS, whether officer or enlisted personnel, 
who are performing actual investigative duties, shall be granted 
occupational specialty pay which shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of 
their basic pay.
SEC. 31. Dismissal of PCG Personnel. - The Commandant, after 
due notice and summary hearing, may immediately remove or dismiss 
any respondent PCG personnel and major unit commanders may 
recommend such in any of the following cases:
a) In cases ot drug abuse where subsequent confirmation 
test conf rms the use of prohibited drugs;
b) When the charge is serious and the evidence of guilt is 
strong;
c) When the respondent is a recidivist or has been 
repeatedly charged and there are reasonable grounds to
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believe that he is guilty of the charges; and 
d)When the respondent is guilty of a serious offense 
involving conduct unbecoming of a PCG personnel.
An officer or enlisted personnel who is continuously absent without 
approved leave tor at least thirty (30) calendar days shall be considered 
on absence without official leave (AWOL) and shall be separated from 
the service or dropped from the rolls without prior notice: Provided, That 
he shall be informed, by registered mail, at his address appearing on his 
201 file or its equivalent of his separation from the service not later than 
five (5) calendar days from the effect!vity thereof.
SEC. 32. Separation. - Separation from the Coast Guard service 
may be done through compulsoiy retirement, optional retirement upon 
reaching twenty (20) years in service, disability discharge, expiration of 
enlistment term, voluntary resignation, attrition, dismissal for cause, or 
death. The civilian employees are covered under the Civil Service law on 
the same matter.
SEC. 33. Attrition. — There shall be established a system of 
attrition within the uniformed members of the PCG within one (1) year 
from the effectivity of this Act to be submitted by the PCG to the 
Secretary of Transportation for approval.
SEC. 34. Retirement. - Upon attaining fifty-six (56) years of age 
or accumulation of thirty (30) years of continuous satisfactory active 
service, whichever comes later, a PCG uniformed personnel shall be 
compulsorily retired: Provided, That in case the disparity between 
attaining the length of service and retirement age mentioned above is 
more than a year, then tenure in service may be extended for a maximum 
of four (4) years, but in no case shall the personnel concerned serve 
beyond sixty (60) years of age.
Any officer or enlisted personnel may choose to retire on their 
own option upon accumulating at least twenty (20) years in active 
service.
1 he retirement and separation of civilian personnel of the PCG 
shall be governed by the Civil Service law, rules and regulations.
SEC. 35. Retirement Benefits. - Monthly retirement pay of officers 
and enlisted personnel shall be fifty percent (50%) of base pay and
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longevity pay ot the next higher grade last held in ease of twenty (20) 
years of active service, increasing by two and one-half percent (2 Yi %) for 
evei-y 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. 
However, enlisted personnel who attain the rank of Chief Petty Officer, 
Senior Chief Petty Officer and of Master Chief Petty Officer shall, upon 
retirement, be entitled to the retirement pay and benefits of an 
Ensign: Provided, That a Master Chief Petty Officer, shall receive a 
gratuity equivalent to that of an Ensign, plus one-half (1/2) of the 
difference between the gratuity of an Ensign and a Chief Petty Officer, 
and a Senior Chief Petty Officer shall receive a gratuity equivalent to that 
of an Ensign, plus one-half (1/2) of the difference between the gratuity of 
a Master Chief Petty Officer and a Chief Petty Officer. The First Master 
Chief Petty Officer shall be retired with the rank of Ensign but with the 
retirement pay and benefits of a Lieutenant Junior Grade (0-2): Provided, 
further, that the retirement pay of all PCG retirees shall be subject to 
adjustment on the prevailing scale of base pay of personnel in the active 
service. For additional matters pertaining to retirement and pension as 
provided in the foregoing, the retirement system of the AFP shall be under 
PD No. 1638, as amended, RA No. 8220 and RA No. 9365, until such 
time as a new retirement system be issued by Government.
The retirement benefits of civilian personnel shall be governed by 
Civil Service Law and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) 
Law.
SEC. 36. Survivors. - The family of the officer or enlisted 
personnel who are alive and may claim benefits after such uniformed 
personnel dies in line of duty or the pensioner dies. The following criteria 
shall apply:
a) Surviving spouse if married to the deceased prior to the 
latter's retirement/separation and not legally separated by 
judicial decree from the deceased issued on grounds not 
attributable to said spouse: Provided, That entitlement of 
benefits shall terminate upon the re-marriage of said 
spouse;
b) Surviving children of an officer or enlisted personnel born 
of his marriage contracted prior to his 
retirement/separation from the service, legally adopted, 
acknowledged or recognized, while the deceased parent 
was still on active military service: Provided, I’hat
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entitlement to benefits shall terminate when sueh children 
attain twenty-one (21) years of age or upon marriage; and 
c) In default of those mentioned in paragraph (a) and (b), the 
surviving parent or parents.
The survivor (s) of an officer or enlisted personnel shall be 
entitled to a monthly life annuity equivalent to seventy-five percent 
(75%) of his monthly retirement pay which he was receiving to be 
divided among them in equal shares and with the right of accretion.
As regards question of filiation involving survivors- 
claimant, the same shall be submitted first by the claimants to the 
competent court for resolution before benefits can be given.
SEC. 37. Permanent Physical Disability. - An officer or enlisted 
personnel who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of injuries 
suffered or sickness contracted in the performance of duty as duly 
certified by the PCG shall be entitled to one year’s salary and to lifetime 
pension equivalent to forty percent (40%) of their last salary, in addition 
toother benefits as provided under existing laws: Provided, That that the 
extent of the disability or sickness renders such member unfit or unable 
to further perform the duties of the position held as certified by the 
appropriate Government hospital like the Philippine General Hospital.
Should such member who has been retired under permanent total 
disability under this section die, his surviving legal spouse or, if there be 
none, the surviving dependent legitimate children shall be entitled to the 
pension for a period of three (3) years from the date of retirement or the 
remainder thereof as the case may be.
The civilian personnel of the PCG shall be covered by the GSIS 
law, rules and regulations.
SEC. 38. Death and Disability Benefits. - A uniformed personnel 
or his/her heirs shall be entitled to all benefits relative to the death or 
permanent incapacity of said personnel, as provided for under this Act 
and other existing laws.
a) An officer or enlisted personnel with less than five (5) 
years of active service who dies in line of duty or on 
account of any wound, injury or illness contracted in line 
of duty or incurs permanent total physical disability in
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line of duty shall be considered separated from service in 
the next higher grade and shall be entitled to a separation 
pay equivalent to one year’s salary based on the 
separation grade.
b) Any cadet or trainee who dies during training or by reason 
thereof or is permanently and totally disabled as a result 
ol injuries suffered or sickness contracted directly related 
to training that the extent of the disability or sickness 
renders such cadet or trainee unfit or unable to continue 
training shall be considered separated from service and 
shall be entitled to separation pay equivalent to six (6) 
month’s salary based on pay grade they are entitled.
Any matters pertaining to the rights and benefits for death and/or 
disability, pertinent existing laws followed by the AFP and/or other 
existing laws regarding military or uniformed personnel’s pension and 
gratuity shall apply: Provided, That, civilian personnel of the PCG shall be 
covered by the GSIS law, rules and regulations.
SEC. 39. Old-Age Pension Eligibility. - A retired PCG uniformed 
personnel who is at least 65 years of age shall be entitled to old-age 
pension amounting to Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) monthly 
increasing by Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) every five (5) years. 
This shall be available to any retired PCG uniformed personnel who shall 
have been honorably discharged or retired after at least twenty (20) years 
total PCG active service or sooner separated while in the active service in 
the PCG due to disability arising or incurred in actual operations or 
performance of duties.
SEC. 40. Exemption from Attachment and Taxes. - All
retirement benelits granted by this Act, including benefits received from 
a duly instituted provident fund and mutual benefit association shall not 
be subject to attachment, levy, execution or any tax of whatever nature.
SEC. 41. Uniformed Personnel Missing in Action. - Any officer 
or enlisted personnel who, while in the performance of duty, is officially 
confirmed missing in action, kidnapped or captured by lawless elements 
shall, while so absent, be entitled to receive or to have credited to his 
account in favor of his legal dependents as may be determined, the same 
pay and allowances to which such officer or enlisted personnel was 
entitled at the time of his/her disappearance: Provided, That the 
compulsory retirement of an absentee, in applicable cases, shall be
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processed to allow the members ot the next of kin to enjoy the retirement 
benefits: Provided, further. That should the Commandant, upon the 
recommendation of the proper authority or immediate supervisor, 
subsequently detennine that the officer or enlisted personnel concerned 
have been absent from duty without authority, such member or his/her 
heirs shall reimburse the PCG all such amount and allowances that have 
been received in aceordance with this section and the succeeding section.
SEC. 42. Incentives and Awards. — There shall be established an 
incentives and awards system which shall be administered by a board 
under such rules, regulations and standards as may be promulgated by the 
Department: Provided, That equivalent awards shall be given by the 
Department for eveiy award duly given by respectable civic 
organizations in a nationwide selection for outstanding achievement 
and/or performance of any member: Provided, Further, That the civilian 
employees of the PCG shall follow the Civil Service laws, rules and 
regulations on incentives and awards.
SEC. 43. Coast Guard Reserve Force. There is hereby created and 
established a Philippine Coast Guard Reserve Force, the purpose of which 
is to augment the PCG force in the event of national emergency or 
catastrophe as declared by appropriate Government entity. The PCG 
Reservists shall undergo regular training and shall be organized, trained, 
equip and administered by a PCG Reserve Command under the direction 
of the Commandant and whose members may be called to active duty in 
the exigency of the service on aforementioned circumstances duly 
declared by appropriate authority. The PCG may also participate in the 
Reserve Officers’ Training Course program as an alternative offering 
focus in maritime safety, marine environmental protection and search and 
rescue: Provided, That, the PCG shall, within six (6) months from the 
issuance of this law, draft pertinent policies on the management and 
particulars of the Coast Guard Reserve Force for the approval and 
signature of the President.
SEC. 44. Office of the Presidential Adviser on Coast Guard 
Affairs. - An Office of the Presidential Adviser on Coast Guard Affairs is 
hereby created under the Office of the President to assist and provide 
advice to the President on maritime enforcement and security matters, 
facilitate policy formulation and decision-making in maritime issues.
SEC. 45. Authority to Create Mutual Benefit Association. - The
PCG is hereby authorized to create a mutual benefit association where
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membership is voluntary to provide life and non-life insurance services for 
the benefits of its members including its dependents which are vital to the 
moiale and welfare of PCG members and their families. The management, 
operation, and control of such association shall be under the direct control 
and supervision of the Commandant. Such mutual benefit association shall 
be exempt from all kinds of taxes and shall be issued a certificate of 
exemption. This is without prejudice to the requirement of SEC 
1 eg i strati on and of other regulatoiy government agencies.
SEC. 46. Emergency and Medical Assistance. - The PCG shall 
have an emergency medical assistance fund, sourced from the PCG’s 
Annual Budget Plan as reflected in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 
foi hospitalization, operation, medication and rehabilitation for personnel 
arising from injuries suffered on occasion or resulting from the 
performance of legitimate, official and hazardous operations. Provided, 
That PCG personnel shall be given thirty percent (30%) discount in 
hospitals nationwide to include their primary dependents.
SEC. 47. Active Service. - For purposes of this Act, active service 
of the uniformed personnel shall refer to services rendered as an officer 
and enlisted personnel, cadet, trainee or draftee in the PCG and services 
lendeted as a civilian official or employee in the Philippine Government 
prior to the date of separation or retirement from the PCG: Provided, That, 
for purposes of retirement, the personnel shall have rendered at least ten 
(10) years of active service as officer or enlisted personnel in the PCG: 
Provided, Further, That no period of such civilian government service be 
longer than the active coast guard service shall be credited for purposes of 
letiiement. Seivice rendered as cadet in any service academy in the 
Philippines or abroad under sponsorship of the PCG such as the Philippine 
Merchant Marine Academy, probationary officer, draftee or trainee are 
credited for retirement purposes.
SEC. 48. PCG Insignia, Decorations and Awards. - The PCG 
shall have its own insignia and badges to denote rank, specialty and 
assignment including uniforms, decorations and awards, all of which 
shall be submitted to the National Historical Institute for registration in 
the fiags and heraldic list: Provided, That there shall be an established 
awards system which shall be administered by the PCG under such rules 
and regulations as may be promulgated with the approval of the Secretary 
ofTransportation.
SEC. 49. Special Account. — The PCG shall maintain a special
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account under the General Fund, in which receivables from local or 
foreign entities shall be credited including proceeds or excess of grants, 
fees or charges, dues, fines and rentals generated in the regular conduct of 
service: Provided, That PCG shall have the authority to use one hundred 
percent (100%) of this fund for capability enhancement.
SEC. 50. Collection of Revenues. - The PCG shall collect fees, 
dues, charges, and fines relevant to the exercise of its various functions: 
Provided, That the thirty percent (30%) shall be credited to the special 
account, while the remaining seventy percent (70%) will go to the 
national fund.
SEC. 51. 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 EO No. 
475 dated 30 March 1998 and EO No. 477 dated 15 April 1998, such as 
inter alia, vessels, watercrafts, firearms, armaments, munitions, 
communications and electronic equipment, vehicles, buildings, real estate 
and lighthouse reservations.
SEC. 52. 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.
SEC. 53. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one 
hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Philippine 
Coast Guard, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation, 
shall promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regulations to carry out 
the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 54. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated in the 
General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law 
and thereafter.
SEC. 55. Transitory Provisions. - The provisions of this Act, as far 
as the computation of rate is concerned, shall have retroactive effect on the 
retirement benefits of enlisted personnel whose retirement were affected 
by the implementation of Republic Act No. 9993, and the discrepancy as a 
result of applying this Act and Republic Act No. 9993 shall be returned to
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the retiree. The same shall also be retroactively applicable to indexation of 
pension to base pay scale adjustments affected by Republic Act No. 9993: 
Provided, That for the ranks of Admiral and Vice Admiral, adversely 
affected by Congress Joint Resolution (CJR) No. 4 s. 2008 and CJR No. 1 
s. 2018, they shall be adjusted in pay grade the same as its contemporary 
ranks of General and Lieutenant General in the AFP and PNP: Provided, 
Further, that those affected by the Joint Resolutions be repaid the 
difference in pay and allowance as a result of the issuance of the said 
Resolutions for retired officers and enlisted personnel.
SEC. 56. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of 
this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and 
parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 57. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act No. 9993 is hereby 
repealed. All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and regulations, or 
paits theieof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly.
SEC. 58. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
aftei its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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