EDITORIAL

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Thursday, January 5, 2017
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AMID the sea tragedy that struck the country a day after Christmas, all help is needed and should be welcomed for victims of the ill-fated MV Starlight Atlantic. Any form of investigation surrounding the sinking of the ship may be put on hold while all efforts are focused on the search, rescue and retrieval operations.

Any form of investigation while we are still in the middle of putting things in order could be viewed as a start of finger-pointing and “washing of hands.” We should give the government a chance to do its job first and after that, we can proceed with finding who are responsible for this tragedy and make them face our proper courts.

However, people, especially legislators, could provide real and enduring help to all seafarers by strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) law. At present, PCG exists in limbo. It is an attached service under the Department of Transportation and Communications but in times of war, as declared by Congress, it can – or parts of it – be attached to the Department of National Defense. Is it possible to make the PCG a separate and distinct uniformed commissioned service? Its stability and permanence as a distinct, sea-going, uniformed commissioned service can enable it to develop its own fleet and personnel.

How many personnel does the PCG currently have? Are they enough to service a country with 7,100 islands?

Every time there is a seas disaster, the coastguard is being blamed. But are the expectations for it to do well equal to the powers it is vested with? The PCG must 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.

It must 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. It must enforce and assist in the implementation of laws on fishery, immigration, tariff and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, dangerous drugs, trafficking of women and children. It must enforce and assist in the maintenance of maritime law enforcement and security based on the applicable laws.
With more teeth, the coastguard will not have excuses for performing lousily.
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