Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9993)
The official title is the "Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009".
The PCG is attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
In times of war, as declared by Congress, the PCG or parts thereof shall be attached to the Department of National Defense.
The PCG’s powers include enforcing maritime safety laws, conducting inspections of merchant ships, detaining vessels not complying with safety standards, coordinating aids to navigation, conducting search and rescue operations, investigating maritime accidents, assisting in law enforcement at sea including anti-terrorism, enforcing marine environment protection laws, and managing salvage operations, among others.
The PCG Commandant is appointed by the President from among Flag Officers of the Coast Guard who hold a command-at-sea badge and must have served as a District Commander of the PCG.
The Commandant's maximum term is three (3) years.
The rank distribution is: 2% Flag Officers, 6% Coast Guard Captain, 12% Coast Guard Commander, 18% Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, 20% Coast Guard Lieutenant, and 42% Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade and Coast Guard Ensign.
They must be compulsorily retired upon attaining age 56 or after 30 years of continuous satisfactory active service, whichever is later, provided they have at least 20 years of active service.
PCG officers and non-officers are subject to the AFP Military Justice System, while non-uniformed employees are governed by Civil Service rules and regulations.
The uniformed personnel of the PCG receive the same base pay, longevity pay, hazard pay, and other benefits as corresponding ranks in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The PCGA is a civilian volunteer organization that assists the PCG in safety promotion, marine environmental preservation, search and rescue, maintenance of navigation aids, civic action, youth development, and related activities.
Voluntary resignation or failure to meet the standards of competence and proficiency of the PCG under existing laws, rules and regulations.