SEN. Raffy Tulfo yesterday said he will push for additional funds for the Philippine Coast Guard this budget season for it to have additional equipment essential not only for monitoring happenings in the West Philippine Sea but also for search and rescue operations, as well.
Tulfo said he will recommend more funds in the PCG’s 2025 proposed budget to enable it to purchase additional helicopters with night flying capabilities.
He said he found out from the PCG that it does not have choppers which can fly at night to monitor and conduct night search and rescue operations. “Actually, they said we have two choppers but the other one is still under repair. So, that leaves us with only one,” Tulfo said in Filipino during a visit to the PCG headquarters in Manila.
Aside from the choppers, Tulfo said, the additional funds can be used to buy boats and acquire new technology needed for the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.
Aside from additional equipment and technology, Tulfo said the PCG personnel should also have additional benefits so they can be at par with their counterparts in the armed forces.
Tulfo said majority of senators have also expressed their support to giving the PCG additional equipment and benefits, as he expects that his proposal will be approved in the plenary.
Tulfo said he filed Senate Bill No. 2864 last Monday to underscore “the need for continuous legislative attention to ensure that the PCG is adequately supported and equipped to fulfill its critical role and responsibilities in maritime protection in the Philippines.”
