FUNCTIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a civilian law enforcement agency that is attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It is tasked with (1) enforcing laws within Philippine waters, (2) conducting maritime security operations, (3) safeguarding life and property at sea, and (4) protecting the marine environment and maritime resources. The PCG used to be a military organization under the Philippine Navy (PN), but was converted to a civilian agency when it was attached to the DOTr instead. That is the reason why some remnants of its military past still linger in the PCG, including the wearing of military uniforms and the adoption of military ranks. I am very happy about the fact the fourth function of the PCG is very clear, and that there are supposed to be no gray areas whatsoever. True enough, there are no gray areas, but there are some overlaps with the functions of other civilian agencies, particularly in the case of environmental protection. As I understand it, the term “Philippine waters” could be interpreted to mean not only the coastal areas, but also the lakes and rivers. Just as an example, it should be the function of the PCGs to protect mangrove trees and forests not only near the seas, but also near the lakes and the rivers. There is a gray area in the case of mangrove trees. Technically, these trees are not under the DENR, and not under the DA. Ideally, it should be under the BFAR through the DA, but that is not the case. This is where the PCG can come in to help. IKE SENERES/02-10-2024