JV Ejercito backs revised PCG law with better pay, benefits for Coast Guard
August 11, 2026
Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito voted yes to the passage of Senate Bill No. 2116, or the Revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Law, as the Senate approved the measure on third and final reading on Tuesday.
“We cannot overemphasize the role of the strong and dedicated men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard. With their limited resources and their lives on the line, they courageously patrol our coastlines and ensure that our maritime laws are implemented,” Ejercito, who is also a co-sponsor of the bill, said in his manifestation.
Ejercito, who filed a similar measure, Senate Bill No. 1142, in August last year, said the bill will strengthen the PCG’s manpower and give the institution greater capacity to expand its maritime safety, environmental protection and security operations.
It also seeks to address disparities in the salaries and benefits of PCG personnel and officers compared with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
Ejercito paid tribute to the dedication of PCG personnel as the country faces evolving maritime security challenges.
“Saludo po ako sa dedikasyon at tapang ng ating Philippine Coast Guard. Panahon na upang mas patatagin pa natin ang kanilang mandato at bigyan ng kaukulang atensyon ang kanilang mahalagang papel sa larangan ng maritime security and safety,” he said.
During last year’s budget deliberations, Ejercito pushed to increase the subsistence allowance of coast guard personnel, firefighters, and police officers to P350 per day from the previous P150.
He likewise advocated for the funding of additional key floating assets, including 60-meter vessels and high-speed response boats to enhance the agency’s operational readiness.
