IN THE MIDST OF SEA TRAGEDY, CHIZ TO CONGRESS: WANT TO HELP, SUPPORT COASTGUARD BILL

Amid the sea tragedy that struck the country, opposition senator Chiz Escudero today said all help is needed and should be welcomed for victims of the ill-fated Princess of the Stars. This he said as individuals, groups and fellow members of the Congress signified intention to help in the midst of the crisis.

Escudero reiterated his stand that any form of investigations surrounding the sinking of the ship should be put on hold while all efforts are focused on the search, rescue and retrieval operations. "I don't agree to any form of investigation for now while we are still in the middle of putting things in order. We should give the government a chance to do its job first and after that, then we can proceed with finding who are responsible for this tragedy and make them face our proper courts."

However, Escudero said people especially his fellow legislators could provide real and enduring help to all seafarers by supporting the Coast Guard Reorganization Bill which is currently pending before both Houses of Congress.

Senate Bill No. 1238 or "The Philippine Coast Guard Act of 2007" which is pending in the Senate has been filed by Escudero last year. The bill seeks to reorganize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as a separate and distinct uniformed commissioned service under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

At present, the PCG is existing in limbo because its inception to the DOTC as a non-military organization was created through Executive Order 477, which can be reverted anytime.

Once approved, the Coast Guard Bill will institutionalize the organization, whose stability and permanence as a distinct, sea-going, uniformed commissioned service will enable it to develop its own fleet and personnel.

The bill seeks to maintain PCGs personnel strength of not less than the total number of coastal barangays in the country. At present, the PCG has only 5,000 personnel servicing a country with 7, 100 islands.

In the same bill, the Coast Guard shall have the following powers and functions:

a.) enforce laws, promulgate and administer rules and regulations for the promotion and safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment and resources

b.) render aid to persons and vessels in distress and conduct search and rescued in case of marine accident within the maritime jurisdiction of the country

c.) enforce and assist in the enforcement of laws on fishery, immigration, tariff and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, dangerous drugs, trafficking of women and children

d.) enforce and assist in the maintenance of maritime law enforcement and security based on the applicable laws.

As this developed, Escudero continued to call for the approval of a supplemental budget for PAGASA for the acquisition of the latest technology to enable them to capably discharge their duties.

"Latest technologies would allow PAGASA to advice and alert people ahead of an imminent disaster. A notice a few days ahead would go along way for people to prepare and get themselves ready against disasters."

He went on to say that strengthening and modernizing PAGASA is a must for a tropical country like ours.