Creation and Functions of Philippine Coast Guard

Enforcement against illegal entry, smuggling, and maritime law violations.
Suppression of destructive fishing methods (e.g., dynamite, toxic substances).
Promulgation and enforcement of navigational rules (lights, signals, speed, steering, sailing, anchorage).
Approval and inspection of vessel construction, repair, classification, and equipment.
Registration and issuance of safety certificates for motorized watercraft.
Licensing of marine officers and personnel, with authority to suspend or revoke licenses.
Investigation of marine casualties and disasters, including liabilities in marine protests.
Enforcement of laws on manning, citizenship, crew welfare, and shipowner duties post-accidents.
Regulation of motorboats, regattas, and marine parades.
Rescue operations and aid for distressed persons or vessels; managing salvaged property.
Development and operation of aids to maritime navigation; authorized to remove navigational hazards.
Supervision of nautical schools in coordination with the Department of Education.
Regulation of maritime communications not assigned to other agencies.
Assistance to other government agencies in maritime law enforcement.
Designation of Coast Guard personnel as peace officers and enforcement agents for multiple bureaus.

Headed by a Commandant who is a Flag Officer.
Philippine Navy's Flag Officer-in-Command organizes and equips the Coast Guard, subject to Secretary of National Defense approval.
Coast Guard maintained as a separate Navy unit specialized for at-sea police duties.
Transfer of relevant maritime safety, inspection, registration, licensing divisions from Bureau of Customs and related offices to the Coast Guard.
Inclusion of the Lighthouse Service under Coast Guard jurisdiction.
Personnel protections maintained; continuing civil service governance.

Requirement of prior authorization from the Coast Guard to establish, erect, or maintain any aid to navigation.

Prohibition against unauthorized removal, damage, obstruction, or interference with aids to maritime navigation.

Violation of the Act or related regulations punishable by:
- Fine from one hundred to five hundred pesos.
- Imprisonment from thirty days to six months.
- Both fine and imprisonment at the court's discretion.
Responsible officers of corporations or associations also liable for violations.
Coast Guard empowered to impose administrative penalties for regulatory breaches.

Initial appropriation of Php 15,327,500 for vessels, personnel, maintenance, and operations.
Php 60,000 allocated exclusively for merchant marine regulation updates.
Additional funding schedule:
- Php 9 million annually for the first two years.
- Php 13 million annually for the next three years.
Funding included in the General Appropriations Act enabling vessel acquisition and mission capability.