Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law

Senato Office of the extretary NOV 12 P5:49 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. - 1524 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD BY INTRODUCING POLICY AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORMS EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests, ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, protecting the marine environment, and enforcing laws within the country's maritime jurisdiction. Since its separation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 1998, the PCG has evolved into a distinct, multi-mission maritime law enforcement and humanitarian service under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Over the past decades, the maritime landscape has transformed rapidly. The Philippines now faces growing challenges in maritime safety, environmental protection, marine resource management, and national security. The increasing complexity of maritime activities, the expansion of trade routes, the frequency of natural disasters, and the emergence of transnational maritime crimes require a modern, fully empowered Coast Guard with clear mandates, competent personnel, and sufficient institutional capacity. This bill, therefore, seeks to strengthen, modernize, and reorganize the Philippine Coast Guard by updating its legal framework to reflect its contemporary role as the country's primary maritime agency for safety, security, and environmental stewardship. It repeals Republic Act No. 9993, as amended by Republic Act No. 12122, to create a comprehensive and forward-looking charter for the PCG.

The bill affirms the PCG as an armed and uniformed service under the administrative supervision of the DOTr, headed by the Commandant with the rank of Admiral. It clarifies its organizational structure, command hierarchy, and functional areas of responsibility, ensuring professionalization, accountability, and operational readiness. The measure also reinforces its civilian character in peacetime operations, with the flexibility to integrate into national defense efforts when necessary. The PCG is mandated to enforce maritime laws and regulations, maintain safety and security in Philippine waters, protect the marine environment, and conduct search, rescue, and disaster response operations. It is authorized to establish aids to navigation, inspect vessels and ports, regulate maritime traffic, and respond to oil spills and marine pollution. The bill ensures that the PCG's law enforcement powers are exercised consistent with human rights, environmental protection, and the rule of law. Recognizing that a competent and disciplined workforce is the backbone of any uniformed service, the bill provides for a modernized personnel system that governs appointment, promotion, training, discipline, and retirement. It sets standards for entry qualifications, establishes a lateral entry program for professionals and personnel from other uniformed services, and strengthens the education and training system through the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command. It also introduces updated provisions on pay, allowances, and retirement benefits, aligning these with those granted to other uniformed services to ensure equity and morale among personnel. The bill institutionalizes the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) as a non- uniformed volunteer organization under the supervision of the PCG Commandant. The PCGA will continue to assist in maritime safety, community relations, environmental protection, and youth development programs. It likewise authorizes the establishment of a Coast Guard Reserve Force, organized and trained to augment the active service during national emergencies or

To ensure operational capability, the measure directs the PCG to develop a long-term modernization and development plan, including the establishment and expansion of bases, air and sea assets, surveillance systems, laboratories, and communication facilities. It provides for the exclusive control and management of Coast Guard properties and lighthouse reservations and grants tax and customs duty exemptions on the importation of critical equipment and supplies. The bill authorizes the PCG to receive grants, donations, and loans from local or foreign sources, subject to existing laws. It ensures that retirement and pension benefits are properly indexed and adjusted, correcting previous discrepancies and aligning the benefits of PCG personnel with their counterparts in the AFP and PNP. In sum, this proposed measure envisions a strong, responsive, and professional Philippine Coast Guard capable of meeting modern maritime challenges and upholding the country's status as an archipelagic nation. It seeks to ensure that the PCG remains a symbol of service, discipline, and dedication — a force for safety, order, and national pride across the nation's seas. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID sundo di

Senate Office of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 25 NOV 12 P5:49 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1524 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD BY INTRODUCING POLICY AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORMS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Revised Philippine

Coast Guard Law."

SEC. 2. Philippine Coast Guard. - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),

established under Republic Act (RA) No. 9993 as amended by RA 12122, otherwise known as the "Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009', as an armed and uniformed service attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall continue as such upon the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That in times of war, as declared by Congress, the PCG or parts thereof, shall be attached to the Department of National Defense (DND). ORGANIZATION

SEC. 3. Organization. - The PCG organizational structure shall be headed by

a Commandant with the rank of Admiral and shall be assisted by the Deputy Commandant for Operations and Deputy Commandant for Administration, both with the rank of Vice Admiral. It shall be organized into three (3) core functional commands, namely: Maritime Safety Services Command, Marine Environmental Protection Command, and Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command. To enhance

the core functions of the PCG, it shall be reinforced by support commands and service units categorized as follows: a) Administrative support commands shall consist of the Education and Training, Internal Affairs Service, Financial Management, Human Resource Management Service and Logistics; b) The operational support commands shall consist of the Fleet, Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information System Service, Special Operations Force, Aviation Force, Civil Relations Service Command, Canine Force, Intelligence Force, and other operational commands as may thereafter be created as needed; c) The technical services shall consist of the Legal Service, Medical Service, Ecumenical Service, Dental Service, Veterinary Service, Medical Administrative Corps, Nurse Corps, and other technical services that may or hereinafter be created as needed; d) Operating commands shall consist of the sixteen (16) districts located nationwide covering specific areas of responsibilities composed of stations that shall have field offices called sub-stations down to detachments or posts. These coast guard districts, which will also function as implementing units whose annual budget shall be strictly released to them, are: National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGD NCR-CL), Central Visayas (CGD CV), Southwestern Mindanao (CGD SWM), Southeastern Mindanao (CGD SEM), Palawan (CGD PAL), Western Visayas (CGD WV), Southern Visayas (CGD SV), Southern Tagalog (CGD STL), Northern Mindanao (CGD NM), Bicol (CGD BCL), Northwestern Luzon (CGD NWL), Eastern Visayas (CGD EV), Northeastern Luzon (CGD NEL), Southern Mindanao (CGD SM), Northeastern Mindanao (CGD NEM) and Coast Guard districts in Bangsamoro Administrative Region in Muslim Mindanao (CDs BARMM): Provided, That the PCG may create other new districts subject to existing laws; and e) The Special Services consist of the Legislative Liaison Affairs, Internal Audit,

and Center for Strategic Studies. In addition to the aforementioned basic structure of the PCG, the Commandant of the PCG is authorized to reorganize, modify, or create districts, commands, services, or units to enhance operational efficiency and command structure. Such changes shall be subject to the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation and the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations: Provided, That the minimum manning level of the PCG shall be sufficient to support its mandate, which shall be filled in accordance with the enlistment schedule approved by the DBM: Provided, further, That the functional commands, administrative support units, operational support units, operating units, technical services and special services shall be authorized and designated to perform all duties and functions of the PCG within their individual areas of responsibility, including finance and procurement. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

SEC. 4. Powers and Functions of the PCG. - The PCG shall have the following

powers and functions: a) Enforce regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime international conventions, treaties or instruments and national laws for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines and conduct port state control implementation; b) Conduct random inspections on all merchant ships and vessels, including inspections prior to departure, to ensure and enforce compliance with safety standards, rules and regulations; c) Detain, stop, or prevent a ship or vessel which does not comply with safety standards, rules and regulations from sailing or leaving port; d) Conduct emergency readiness evaluation on merchant marine vessels; e) Issue and enforce rules and regulations for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea on all maritime-related activities, subject to the approval of

the Secretary of the DOTr; f) Determine, fix or prescribe charges, rates, and penalties, as may be necessary, to implement its provisions, as well as the provisions of laws, issuances, decrees, and orders related to the implementation of PCG functions, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the DOTr; g) Coordinate, develop, establish, maintain, and operate aids to navigation, vessel traffic system, maritime communications, and search and rescue facilities within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines; h) Remove, destroy, or tow to port sunken or floating hazards to navigation, including illegal fish traps and vessels, at or close to sea lanes which may cause hazards to the marine environment; i) Issue permits for the salvage of vessels and to supervise all marine salvage operations and wreck removal, and to auction the abandoned vessels or wrecks to defray the expenses of such removal, as well as prescribe and enforce rules and regulations governing the same; j) Render aid to persons and vessels in distress and conduct search and rescue during maritime accidents within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, including the high seas, in accordance with applicable international conventions. In the performance of this function, the PCG may enlist the services of other government agencies and the merchant marine fleet; k) Investigate and inquire into the causes of all maritime accidents involving death, casualties and damage to properties; I) In coordination with other relevant government agencies, enforce and maintain maritime security, and prevent or suppress terrorism at sea, in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations; m) Assist in the enforcement of laws on fisheries, immigration, tariff and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals, transnational crimes, and other applicable

laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines; n) Board and inspect all types of merchant ships and watercrafts in the performance of these functions; o) Promulgate, administer, and enforce laws, rules and regulations for the protection of marine environment and resources from offshore sources of pollution within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, including land- based source pollution affecting marine environment and inland waters in coordination with the local government units (LGUs); p) Develop oil spill response, containment, and recovery capabilities against ship- based pollution; q) Grant, within the capabilities and consistent with its mandate, requests for assistance of other government agencies in the performance of their functions; r) Organize, train and supervise the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) for the purpose of assisting the PCG in carrying out its mandated functions; s) Recommend to the President of the Philippines the issuance of rules and regulations pertaining to the assistance and support that the AFP should extend to the PCG to enhance the latter's capability during emergencies; and t) Perform such other functions that may be necessary in the attainment of the objectives of this Act. THE PCG COMMANDANT

SEC. 5. The PCG Commandant. - The PCG shall be headed by a

Commandant who shall have the rank of Admiral: Provided, That he or she shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from among the Flag Officers in the Coast Guard service. He or she shall hold a command-at-sea badge and must have served as District Commander and Functional Service Commander, including other major commanders carrying the rank of Vice Admiral. The Commandant shall have a

maximum term of three (3) years which shall commence on the date the appointment is signed, unless sooner terminated by the President. The PCG Commandant shall be compulsorily retired upon completion of the maximum term or upon relief by the President.

SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Commandant. - The Commandant

shall exercise the following powers and functions: a) Elaborate and execute the national maritime laws relating to the functions of the PCG; b) Direct and control tactical as well as strategic movements, deployment, placement, or utilization of the PCG or any of its units and personnel, including its equipment, facilities and other resources: Provided, That the Commandant may delegate this power to subordinate officials with respect to the units under the latter's command, subject to the guidelines as the Commandant may prescribe in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations; c) Prescribe, in accordance to existing laws, the organization or re-organization, powers, functions, and duties of the various staff, services, installation, and other units of the PCG; d) Issue policies and instructions regarding personnel, funds, properties, records, correspondence, and such other matters as may be necessary to effectively carry out the functions, powers and duties of the PCG, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations; e) Approve the recommendation of the different promotion or assignment boards and ensure observance of merit and fitness in the process of promotion and assignment; f) Exercise disciplinary authority over all uniformed personnel and non- uniformed personnel of the PCG; and g) Perform any task or directive issued by the President of the Philippines: Provided, That such command and direction of the Commandant may be

delegated to subordinate officials with respect to the units under the latter's respective commands, subject to the guidelines as the Commandant may prescribe in accordance with the rules and regulation prescribed under existing laws. ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

SEC. 7. Personnel. - The PCG shall consist of the following categories of

personnel: a) Officer refers to a uniformed member of the PCG who is commissioned as officer by the President of the Philippines or the Secretary of Transportation, as the case may be, and belongs to the officers' corps: b) Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) refers to the classification of uniformed member of the PCG with ranks below commissioned officers and performing jobs specific to their occupational specialty particularly those ranks with equivalent grades of E-4 to E-10; c) Enlisted Personnel refers to the classification of uniformed members of the PCG particularly those ranks with equivalent grades of E-1 to E-3; d) Non-uniformed personnel refers to permanent, temporary, contractual, coterminous and casual civilian employees of the PCG whose appointments are governed by the Civil Service laws, rules and regulations; e) Probationary ensign refers to a person who is called to active duty but awaiting commissionship into the PCG or awaiting training; f) Draftee refers to a person who has completed basic training and is awaiting enlistment into the PCG active service; g) Cadet refers to a person who is enrolled in service academies under the sponsorship of the PCG; h) Candidate refers to a person who is undergoing training for commissionship;

and i) Trainee refers to a person who is undergoing training to qualify as member of the non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel's corps of the PCG. Provided, That the ranks and grades of all uniformed personnel in the PCG, whether officers or non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel, shall be the same and equal as that used and observed in the AFP and the PNP.

SEC. 8. Ranks and Grades of PCG Officers. - The ranks and grades of PCG

8 Officers shall be as follows: RANK ACRONYM PAY GRADE Admiral ADM 0-10 Vice Admiral VADM 0-9 Rear Admiral RADM 0-8 Commodore COMMO 0-7 Captain CAPT 0-6 Commander CDR 0-5 Lieutenant Commander LCDR 0-4 Lieutenant Senior Grade LTSG 0-3 Lieutenant Junior Grade LTJG 0-2 Ensign ENS 0-1

SEC. 9. Technical Officers. - Other professionals that may join the PCG

service as technical officers are:

a) Lawyers; b) Doctors; c) Priests, Pastors, Imam, and other certified clerics; d) Dentists; e) Veterinarians; and f) Nurses Provided, That any applicant holding the degree of any of the abovementioned 8 professions shall have qualified and passed the appropriate licensure examination, when applicable, of the respective professions to be qualified for entry into the Coast Guard service: Provided, however, That other board professions not listed above may 11 still be recruited as part of the technical stream upon verification of the PCG of its need thereof.

SEC. 10. Officer Rank Distribution. - The officer rank distribution of the PCG

shall be as follows: two per centum (2%) in the Flag Officer rank; six per centum (6%) in the rank of Captain; twelve per centum (12%) in the rank of Commander; eighteen per centum (18%) in the rank of Lieutenant Commander; twenty per centum (20%) in the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade; and forty-two per centum (42%) in the ranks of Lieutenant Junior Grade and Ensign: Provided, That such distribution is based on the ratio between officers and non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel, which is one (1) officer for every seven (7) non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel: Provided, further, That if the actual number in a rank is less than the number prescribed in a lower rank, the difference may be applied as an increase to the number prescribed in the lower rank.

SEC. 11. Distribution of Flag Officers. - Other than the Commandant who

occupies the rank of Admiral, the total number of flag ranks shall not exceed two (2) percent of the total population of officers distributed observing the pyramidal structure as hereunder prescribed:

Vice Admiral 0.15% Rear Admiral 0.35% Commodore 1.50% Total 2.00% Provided, That if the actual number in a rank, except in the case of Coast Guard Admiral and Vice Admiral, is less than the number herein prescribed, the difference may be applied as an increase to the number prescribed in the lower rank: Provided, further, That no officer shall be promoted to the rank of Commodore or higher unless there is an existing vacancy, and the officer is occupying a position in the table of organization that requires the rank which is being considered for promotion.

SEC. 12. Maximum Tenure in Rank. - The maximum tenure of officers in the

ranks of Captain and Flag Officer in the PCG are hereby prescribed as follows: Rank Maximum Tenure in Rank Admiral three (3) years Vice Admiral three (3) years Rear Admiral three (3) years Commodore five (5) years Captain ten (10) years Unless earlier separated, retired, or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying a position calling for the higher rank in the PCG Table of Organization, Captains and Flag Officers shall be retired upon the attainment of the maximum tenure in rank herein prescribed, or upon reaching the age of compulsory retirement whichever comes earlier: Provided, That Captains or flag officers who have not reached the age of retirement shall be retired due to attrition if they have at least twenty (20) years in service, otherwise it shall be separation from service.

SEC. 13. Maximum Tenure in Position of the Commandant. - The

Commandant is hereby limited to a maximum tenure of three (3) years, unless otherwise earlier relieved by the President or competent authority.

SEC. 14. Ranks and Grades of Non-Commissioned Officers / Enlisted

Personnel. - The ranks and pay grades of PCG non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel shall be as follows: RANK ACRONYM PAY GRADE First Master Chief Petty Officer FMCPO E-10 MCPO E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer Senior Chief Petty Officer E-8 E-7 Chief Petty Officer CPO Petty Officer First Class PO1 E-6 Petty Officer Second Class PO2 E-5 Petty Officer Third Class P03 E-4 Seaman/Seawoman First Class SN1/SW1 E-3 Seaman/Seawoman Second Class SN2/SW2 E-2 Apprentice Seaman/Seawoman ASN/ASW E-1

SEC. 15. Maximum Tenure in Rank for Non-Commissioned Officers. -

The maximum tenure of non-commissioned officers in the ranks of Chief Petty Officer to First Master Chief Petty Officer in the PCG are as follows: Rank Maximum Tenure in Rank First Master Chief Petty Officer Three (3) years

Master Chief Petty Officer Five (5) years Senior Chief Petty Officer Eight (8) years Chief Petty Officer Ten (10) years Any non-commissioned officers holding lower ranks than the above who stays in a rank for ten (10) years without being promoted to the next higher rank shall be evaluated by the Re-enlistment Fitness Board who shall verify suitability to continue in service and submit a recommendation for the approval of the Commandant: Provided, That the original enlistment term in the PCG shall be three (3) years and subsequent re-enlistment shall be for the term of six (6) years, with the application for re-enlistment to be reviewed by the Re-enlistment Fitness Board for recommendation to the Commandant for approval: Provided, further, That the uniform allowance shall be payable every three (3) years after complying with the physical fitness test.

SEC. 16. Non-uniformed Personnel. - There shall be non-uniformed

personnel positions in the PCG. The head of the non-uniformed personnel shall occupy a rank of Director III and shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Commandant. The Commandant shall determine the additional plantilla positions required for the purpose subject to the evaluation and approval of the DBM in accordance with the civil service and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 17. Appointments. - The appointment of the PCG Commandant and Flag

Officers shall be approved by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the DOTr. Appointments of all PCG non- commissioned officers / enlisted personnel shall be made by the PCG Commandant. Appointments of PCG officers, which shall be in the initial rank of Coast Guard Ensign shall be through a commissionship into service by the DOTr Secretary upon the recommendation of the Commandant. The initial entry ranks for technical officers like lawyers, medical doctors, and ecumenical clerics shall be Lieutenant Senior Grade; dentists and veterinarians shall

be Lieutenant Junior Grade; while nurses shall be commissioned to the rank of Ensign. Appointment of other technical professions that may be required later shall be based on the academic attainment or ranking in licensure examination results issued by 4 competent authority. Appointments as well as the promotion of all non-uniformed personnel shall be 6 in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 18. Basic Qualification for Uniformed Personnel. - To qualify as

8 officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel of the PCG, the applicant, at 9 the time of application: a) Must be a natural born citizen of the Philippines; b) Must be a person of good moral conduct; c) Must have passed the psychiatric, psychological, drug, and physical tests to be administered by the PCG Medical Service or by any PCG accredited government hospital for the purpose of determining physical and mental health; d) Must possess a formal baccalaureate degree, with appropriate license when applicable or professional civil service eligibility for appointment as officer, and must have finished at least seventy-two (72) non-repetitive units of college education, or is a senior high school graduate with six (6) months Technical Education and Skills Development Authority skills course related to the functions of PCG for appointment as non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel upon effectivity of this Act; and e) Must not have been dishonorably discharged from military employment or dismissed for cause from any non-uniformed personnel position in the government.

SEC. 19. Promotions of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers /

Enlisted Personnel. - The promotion of PCG officers and non-commissioned officers

1 / enlisted personnel shall be based on merit and fitness in accordance with the following procedures: a) Officers shall only be promoted after undergoing deliberation before the promotion boards: Provided, That the promotion boards shall submit the results of their deliberation to the Commandant for approval and corresponding endorsement to the Secretary of the DOTr for transmittal to the President of the Philippines for approval; and b) There shall also be appropriate promotion boards for non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel whose recommendation shall be submitted to the Commandant for approval. Provided, further, That at the time of promotion, the officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel concerned shall possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided under pertinent laws, rules and regulations, specifically on the completion of required career course, training, examination and minimum time- in-grade as applicable for specific ranks. Provided, finally, That except for the position of Commandant, no other officer shall be promoted, assigned or designated to the rank of Commodore or higher if he has less than one (1) year of active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement.

SEC. 20. Gender Sensitivity Program. - Gender concerns shall be addressed

in all planning activities, setting of priorities, allocating of resources, and identifying actions and activities of the PCG. It shall also incorporate a gender sensitive perspective in the implementation of such plans and programs. Gender sensitivity shall also be mainstreamed in all its internal policies, strategies, budget, projects, structures and mechanisms, including hiring, promotions, assignment, training opportunities, pay and benefits. A gender perspective shall likewise be integrated in all its training programs, especially for maritime search and rescue.

SEC. 21. PCG Insignia, Decorations and Awards. - The PCG shall have its

own insignia and badges to denote rank, specialty, and assignment including uniforms, decorations, and awards, all of which shall be submitted to the National Historical Institute for registration in the flags and heraldic list: Provided, That there shall be an established awards system which shall be administered by the PCG under such rules and regulations as may be promulgated with the approval of the Secretary of the DOTr.

SEC. 22. Legal Assistance. - The Secretary of the DOTr or the Commandant

9 of the PCG may authorize lawyers of their respective agencies to provide legal assistance to any member of the PCG charged with an offense or crime resulting from the performance or on occasion of official duty. The government lawyers so authorized shall have the power to administer oaths. The legal officers duly authorized to handle, litigate, and appear for the PCG personnel herein shall be entitled to receive a special counsel allowance (SCA) or lawyer's incentive pay (LIP) amounting to not more than fifty percent (50%) of their base pay which shall be included in the pay slip of said legal officer for the duration 17 of the case in court. There shall be a prosecution and litigation unit to handle and monitor all cases filed for or against the PCG or its personnel in relation to the performance of PCG functions. Legal officers assigned therein shall automatically be entitled 21 to SCA or LIP.

SEC. 23. Power to Administer Oath. - Officers of the PCG in the active

service with the grade of 0-5 or when designated with appropriate orders as administrative officer of a unit, shall have the power to administer oaths on matters which are connected with the performance of their official duties. Senior non- commissioned officers, those with grades E-7 to E10, who are designated through appropriate orders, as Chief-Master-At-Arms (CMAA) or unit master chief are also empowered to administer oaths.

SEC. 24. Maritime and Coast Guard Attaché. - Subject to existing laws,

rules and regulations, the PCG may designate a maritime and coast guard attache in the International Maritime Organization, other international institutions, or as member of diplomatic missions or embassies upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation. The assignment or deployment of the maritime or coast guard attaché shall be with the prior approval of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

SEC.25, Establishment of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy. - An

institution known as the Philippine Coast Guard Academy (PCGA) shall be established for the training of selected candidates for permanent commission as officers in the Philippine Coast Guard Corps of Officers. In the design of the academy's academic and physical curriculum under strict military approach discipline, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) shall allocate 10% of its cadets to the PCG to maintain and enhance interoperability and relationship among the corps of officers of both agencies.

SEC.26. Corps of Professors. - The Corps of Professors shall form part of the

Faculty of the Academy. It shall be composed of the Philippine Coast Guard Uniformed Personnel who are permanently assigned with the Academy. The qualifications for admission to the Corps of Professors shall be determined by the PCG Academy Council. The same shall be headed by a Dean who shall be selected by the PCG Academic 20 Council from among the members of the Corps of Professors. A separate career pattern shall be promulgated by the Philippine Coast Guard Organization for the professional advancement and promotion of the members of the Corps of Professors within three (3) months from the effectivity of this act. PAYS, ALLOWANCES, AND BENEFITS

SEC. 27. Salaries and Other Benefits. - The uniformed personnel of the PCG

shall receive the same base pay, hazard pay, and other benefits and allowances as are now or hereafter may be authorized for corresponding salary grades and ranks in the AFP. The salaries and allowances of the non-uniformed personnel of the PCG shall

be in accordance with existing Salary Standardization Law and CSC laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 28. Longevity Pay and Allowances. - Uniformed personnel of the PCG

shall be entitled to a longevity pay of ten percent (10%) of their basic monthly salaries for every five (5) years of continuous active service, which shall be reckoned from the date of actual service in the PCG: Provided, That the totality of such longevity pay shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the basic pay. They shall also continue to enjoy the subsistence allowance, quarters allowance, clothing allowance, cost of living allowance, hazardous duty pay and other collateral allowances but not limited to sea duty pay, flying pay, special counsel allowance, occupational specialty pay, instructors duty pay, combat pay for officers and non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel of the PCG performing combat duties or activities or engaged in actual performance of duties as defined in regulations to be issued by the Commandant and all other applicable allowances as provided by existing laws: Provided, further, That the PCG shall, subject to approval of the President of the Philippines, issue a specific policy pertaining to collateral allowances for specific duties actually performed. All collateral allowances shall be reflected in the pay slip of qualified personnel.

SEC. 29. Uniformed Personnel Missing in Action. - The survivors of any

officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel who, while in the performance 20 of duty, is officially confirmed missing in action, kidnapped or captured by lawless elements shall be entitled to receive the same pay and allowances to which such officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel is entitled from the time of the latter's disappearance: Provided, That the compulsory retirement of an absentee, in applicable cases, shall be processed to allow the survivors to enjoy the retirement benefits: Provided, further, That should the Commandant, upon the recommendation of the proper authority or immediate supervisor, subsequently rule that the officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel concerned has been absent from duty without authority, such member or the latter's survivors shall reimburse the PCG all such amount and allowances that have been received in accordance with this section and other pertinent sections of this Act.

SEC. 30. Emergency and Medical Assistance. - The PCG shall have an

emergency medical assistance fund, sourced from the PCG's Annual Budget Plan as reflected in the General Appropriations Act for hospitalization, operation, medication, and rehabilitation of personnel arising from injuries and illnesses suffered on occasion of or in the performance of official functions to be used exclusively in areas not serviceable by the PCG Hospital. ACTIVE SERVICE AND SEPARATION

SEC. 31. Active Service. - For purposes of this Act, active service of the

uniformed personnel shall refer to services rendered as an officer and non- commissioned officer / enlisted personnel, cadet, trainee, or draftee in the PCG and services rendered as a non-uniformed personnel in the Philippine Government prior to the date of separation or retirement from the PCG: Provided, That, for purposes of retirement, the personnel shall have rendered at least ten (10) years of active service as officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel in the PCG: Provided, further, That no period of such non-uniformed personnel's government service longer than the active coast guard service shall be credited for purposes of retirement. Service rendered as cadet in any service academy in the Philippines or abroad under the sponsorship of the PCG such as the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, probationary officer, draftee, or trainee shall be included in computing the years in active service for retirement purposes if such personnel joins the service right after graduation.

SEC. 32. Retirement. - Upon attaining fifty-seven (57) years of age or

accumulation of thirty (30) years of continuous satisfactory active service, whichever comes later, a PCG uniformed personnel shall be compulsorily retired: Provided, That technical officers may extend their tenure of service up to sixty (60) years old or until having accumulated twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service, whichever comes later: Provided, further, That the Commandant shall be compulsorily retired upon the completion of the tour of duty as provided under Section 13 of this Act or upon relief 29 by the President.

Any officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel may choose to retire 2 on their own option upon accumulating at least twenty (20) years in active service. For purposes of this Act, an officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel who dies after having accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service shall be considered as retired. The retirement of non-uniformed personnel of the PCG shall be governed by the 7 Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) law, rules and regulations.

SEC. 33. Separation. - Separation from the Coast Guard service may be done

through compulsory retirement, optional retirement upon reaching twenty (20) years in service, disability discharge, expiration of enlistment term, voluntary resignation, attrition, dismissal for cause, or death. The separation of non-uniformed personnel of the PCG shall be governed by the 13 Civil Service law, rules and regulations.

SEC. 34. Attrition. - There shall be established a system of attrition within the

uniformed members of the PCG within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to be submitted by the PCG to the President of the Philippines for approval.

SEC. 35. Retirement Benefits. - An officer or uniformed personnel who is

retired under Section 30 of this Act, or the retiree's qualified survivors, are entitled to receive, and may choose from, any of the following applicable benefits: a) Gratuity Pay. - A lump sum payment of gratuity pay equivalent to one (1) month of base and longevity pay computed based on one (1) grade higher than the permanent salary grade last held for every year of service; or b) Retirement Pay - A monthly retirement pay equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of monthly base and longevity pay computed based on one grade higher than the permanent salary grade last held by the personnel in case of twenty (20) years of active service, increasing by two and one-half percent (2½%) for every year of service rendered beyond twenty (20) years up to a

maximum of ninety percent (90%) for thirty-six (36) years of active service and over. Provided, That non-commissioned officers who attain the rank of Chief Petty 4 Officer, Senior Chief Petty Officer and of Master Chief Petty Officer shall, upon retirement, be entitled to the retirement pay and benefits of an Ensign: Provided, further, That a Master Chief Petty Officer shall receive a gratuity equivalent to that of an Ensign plus one-half (1/2) of the difference between the gratuity of an Ensign and a Chief Petty Officer; a Senior Chief Petty Officer shall receive a gratuity equivalent to 9 that of an Ensign plus one-half (1/2) of the difference between the gratuity of a Master 10 Chief Petty Officer and a Chief Petty Officer; while a First Master Chief Petty Officer shall be retired with the rank of Ensign but with the retirement pay and benefits of a Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2), as provided for in existing laws: Provided, furthermore, That, upon retirement, officers and non-commissioned officers are entitled to receive monthly retirement pay upon retirement, or may opt to receive a lump sum equal to thirty-six (36) months of the monthly retirement pay and three years thereafter shall receive an annual retirement pay payable in equal monthly installment as they accrue. The retirement pay of officers and non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel who are killed in action or wounded in action resulting in total permanent disability shall be computed at the rate of ninety percent (90%) of the monthly base and longevity pay based on one grade higher than the permanent salary grade last held by the personnel regardless of years in active service. The retirement pay of all PCG uniformed personnel retirees shall be subject to adjustment on the prevailing scale of base pay of uniformed personnel in the active service. The retirement benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by applicable Civil Service laws and regulations and the GSIS Law.

SEC. 36. Separation Pay, - Officers and non-commissioned officers / enlisted

personnel separated from the PCG without having accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service, or their qualified survivors, shall receive a

separation pay equivalent to one-month base plus longevity pay based on the permanent salary grade the officer and non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel holds at the time of separation for every year of active service: Provided, That in the case of an officer in the grade of Captain or higher who incurs physical disability in the line of duty, the basis of the separation pay shall be one grade higher than the salary grade held by such officer at the time of separation: Provided, further, That cadets, candidates, trainees, or draftees who voluntarily resign from service shall not be entitled to any separation pay. The separation benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by 10 applicable Civil Service laws and regulations and the GSIS Law.

SEC. 37. Benefits for Death and Total Permanent Disability in the Line

of Duty or During Training. - Qualified survivors of officers and non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel, including cadets, candidates, trainees and draftees who died in the line of duty without having accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service are entitled to a monthly life annuity, equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the base and longevity pay computed based on one grade higher than the permanent salary grade last held by the deceased officer and non- commissioned officer / enlisted personnel at the time of death: Provided, That survivors of cadets, candidates, trainees, and draftees who died during training through their own fault or negligence shall not be entitled to this benefit. Officers or non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel, including cadets, candidates, trainees, and draftees who suffer total permanent physical disability in the line of duty or during training without having accumulated at least twenty (20) years of satisfactory active service shall be entitled to a monthly life annuity, equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the base and longevity pay computed based on one grade higher than the permanent salary grade last held by the officer or non- commissioned officer / enlisted personnel when the disability occurred: Provided, That the extent of the disability or sickness which renders such member unfit or unable to further perform the duties of the position held shall be certified by the appropriate government hospital like the Philippine General Hospital: Provided, further, That

cadets, candidates, trainees and draftees who suffer total permanent physical disability during training through their own fault or negligence shall not be entitled to this benefit. The death and disability benefits of non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by applicable Civil Service laws and regulations and the GSIS Law.

SEC. 38. Survivors. - The family of deceased officers or non-commissioned

officers / enlisted personnel who are alive may claim benefits after such uniformed personnel dies in line of duty or when the pensioner dies. The following criteria shall apply: a) Surviving spouse if married to the deceased prior to the latter's retirement or separation and not legally separated by judicial decree from the deceased issued on grounds not attributable to said spouse: Provided, That the spouse's entitlement of benefits shall terminate when the spouse dies, remarries, cohabits, or engages in a common-law relationship; b) Surviving children of officers or non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel born of marriage contracted prior to retirement or separation from the service, surviving children adopted legally prior to retirement or separation, illegitimate children born while the deceased parent was still on active service: Provided, That entitlement to benefits shall terminate when such children attain twenty-one (21) years of age or upon marriage: Provided, further, That those who have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years but are incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical defect acquired prior to age of majority shall remain entitled to the benefits; and c) In default of those mentioned in paragraph (a) and (b), the surviving parent or parents. As regards question of filiation involving survivor-claimants, the same shall be submitted first by the claimants to a competent court for determination before benefits can be given.

SEC. 39. Survivorship Benefits. - The qualified survivors are entitled to a

monthly annuity equivalent to seventy-five percent (75%) of the officer or non- commissioned officer's / enlisted personnel's retirement or separation benefits, to be divided among them in equal shares and with the right of accretion. Survivorship benefits for non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by the GSIS Law.

SEC. 40. Disability Pension. - In addition to the other benefits under this Act,

an officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel who is retired or separated by reason of disability, which is the proximate result of wounds or injuries sustained 10 or sickness or disease acquired in the line of duty shall receive a monthly disability pension as follows: a) If and while the disability is rated twenty-five percent (25%) - Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00); b) If and while the disability is rated fifty percent (50%) - Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00); c) If and while the disability is rated seventy-five percent (75%) - Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000.00); and d) If and while the disability is rated one hundred percent (100%) - Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00). The officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel receiving the benefits under this Section may be required to undergo periodic physical and medical examination to determine the extent of disability for purposes of adjusting the disability pension.

SEC. 41. Old-Age Pension. - A retired PCG uniformed personnel who is at

least sixty-five (65) years of age shall be entitled to old-age pension amounting to Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) monthly and an additional amount of One thousand seven hundred pesos (P1,700.00) monthly upon reaching the age of seventy (70): Provided, That only retired PCG uniformed personnel who shall have been honorably

discharged or retired after at least twenty (20) years total PCG active service or sooner separated while in the active service in the PCG due to disability arising or incurred in actual operations or performance of duties are entitled to receive this monthly benefit.

SEC. 42. Application of Related Laws on Retirement and Separation of

Uniformed Personnel. - The retirement system under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1638, as amended, and the provisions of RA 8220, RA 9365, and other similar applicable laws, insofar as not inconsistent with applicable provisions of this Act, shall 8 be given suppletory effect.

SEC. 43. Incentives and Awards. - There shall be established an incentives

and awards system which shall be the same and equal as that used and observed in the AFP and the PNP, including the Medalya ng Kagitingan (Medal of Valor) to be administered by a board under such rules, regulations and standards as may be promulgated by the PCG: Provided, That equivalent awards shall be given by the PCG for every award duly given by respectable civic organizations in a nationwide selection for outstanding achievement or performance of any member: Provided, further, That in the case of non-uniformed personnel, the system of incentives and awards shall be approved and in accordance with CSC laws, rules and regulations. DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM

SEC. 44. Disciplinary System. - The PCG shall adopt the PCG Code of

20 Conduct which shall be applicable to all its uniformed personnel while non-uniformed personnel shall be covered under the disciplinary rules of the Civil Service. The 22 Commandant shall be assisted by the Coast Guard Internal Affairs in enforcing discipline and order within its ranks though for disciplinary issues depending on gravity, unit commanders shall exercise disciplinary powers over personnel under their command. The PCG shall, within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, issue policies, rules and procedures applying the PCG Code of Conduct based on the provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 408, as amended by RA 516, RA 242, PD 1968, and PD 1166: Provided, That for non-uniformed personnel, the PCG shall issue rules and procedures implementing Book VII of Executive Order No. 292 and applicable CSC laws, administrative rules, and issuances: Provided, further, That in times of war,

1 during which the PCG or any of its offices is attached to the DND, the military justice system of the AFP shall apply.

SEC. 45. Disciplinary Authority. - The Commandant shall exercise

disciplinary authority at any time over all personnel of the PCG. The authority to discipline shall also be exercised by unit commanders and Commanding Officers including Station Commanders, Sub-Station Commanders, and head of Morning Report 7 Carrying Units.

SEC. 46. Jurisdiction. - A complaint or a charge filed against a PCG member

shall be heard and decided exclusively by the disciplining authority who has acquired original jurisdiction over the case, notwithstanding the existence of concurrent jurisdiction as regards the offense.

SEC. 47. Dismissal of PCG Personnel. - The Commandant, after due notice

and summary hearing, may immediately remove or dismiss any respondent PCG personnel, and major unit commanders may recommend such in any of the following cases: a) In cases of drug abuse where subsequent confirmation test confirms the use of prohibited drugs; b) When the charge is serious and the evidence of guilt is strong; c) When the respondent is a recidivist or has been repeatedly charged and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent is guilty of the charges; and d) When the respondent is guilty of a serious offense involving conduct unbecoming a PCG personnel. An officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel who is continuously absent without approved leave for at least thirty (30) calendar days shall be considered on absence without official leave and shall be presumed voluntarily resigned: Provided, That such officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel shall be informed, by registered mail, at the address appearing on such officer's or

non-commissioned officer's / enlisted personnel's 201 file not later than five (5) 2 calendar days from the effectivity thereof. The dismissal of PCG non-uniformed personnel shall be governed by Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 48. Coast Guard Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service

(CGIG-IAS). - To maintain accountability in government service through discipline and efficiency, there shall be an Internal Affairs Service in the PCG. The CGIG-IAS shall foster and promote accountability in government service within the PCG and follow the basic principles of integrity, objectivity, independence, confidentiality, professionalism, competence, courage, trust, honesty, fairness, forthrightness, public accountability', and respect for others and themselves. It shall have the power to investigate and inquire into any and all activities of the PCG units and personnel, review processes, procedures and operations to determine if such were conducted effectively and efficiently. The personnel of the CGIG-IAS, whether officer or non-commissioned officer / enlisted personnel who are performing actual investigative duties, including PCG personnel who perform investigative duties, shall be granted occupational specialty pay which shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of their basic pay and shall be reflected in their pay slip for the work performed: Provided, That such personnel shall not be entitled to the occupational specialty pay under Section 26 hereof. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 49. Organization of a PCGA. - The PCG shall continue to maintain,

supervise, develop, and train the PCGA as a non-uniformed personnel volunteer organization under the direct control and supervision of the PCG Commandant. The PCGA shall assist the PCG in the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, the preservation of the marine environment and its resources, the conduct of maritime search and rescue, the maintenance of aids to navigation, and such other activities that enhance maritime community relations which include civic action, participation

under the National Service Training Program, youth development, recreational safety, 2 and other related activities.

SEC. 50. Coast Guard Reserve Force. - In accordance with existing laws,

rules and regulations, and the exercise of its powers and functions under Section 4 of this Act, the PCG may establish a reserve force to augment the PCG force in the event of national emergency or disaster, consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations. The PCG reservist shall undergo regular training and shall be organized, trained, equipped, and administered by a PCG Reserve Command under the direction of the 9 Commandant and whose members may be called to active duty in the exigency of the service. The PCG shall adopt pertinent policies and guidelines for the purpose subject to the approval of the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of 12 Transportation.

SEC. 51. Lateral Entry. - Active members of other uniformed services under

the AFP, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Corrections may join the PCG through lateral entry. The rank for officers eligible for such entry must not be higher than Lieutenant Commander and Petty Officer Second Class for non-commissioned officers / enlisted personnel. Notwithstanding the corps they wish to join, all entrants shall only be accepted if, on or before time of entry, they are: a) not under investigation, b) not on AWOL status, c) not serving sentence, whether administrative or criminal, d) have not been issued reprimand in the last two (2) years, or e) have not received an unfavorable rating in the latest performance rating. However, if an entrant possesses specific skills that may not be readily developed in new recruits, lateral entry may be allowed for ranks higher than those mentioned above: Provided, That the new entrant can serve at least ten (10) years in PCG active service prior to reaching the mandatory retirement age.

SEC. 52. Exemption from Attachment, Taxes, Duties, Charges, and

Fees. - Retirement benefits granted by this Act, including benefits received from a duly instituted provident fund and mutual benefit association, shall not be subject to

attachment, levy, execution, or any tax of whatever nature, subject to the pertinent provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. In the establishment and operation of radar and radio stations and other communication facilities, the PCG shall not be subject to payment of charges and fees as imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC): Provided, That the PCG shall only use frequencies as may be allowed or assigned by the NTC consistent with international regulations and guidelines. The PCG shall, in the performance of its functions, enjoy such rights and 9 privileges enjoyed by other governmental and law enforcement agencies, instrumentalities, and government-owned and controlled corporations such as exemption from registration fees, application for license, and payment of fees as imposed by other governmental agencies or regulatory bodies. The importation of instruments, equipment, machineries, spare parts, and apparatuses shall be exempt from customs duties and taxes in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)."

SEC. 53. Loans, Grants, Bequests and Donations. - The PCG may receive

grants, bequests, and donations and enter into loan agreements, whether from local or foreign sources for purposes relevant to its functions, subject to the provisions on 20 donations under the General Appropriations Act and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations. The Secretary of the DOTr may enter into a loan agreement with foreign financial institutions, subject to the provisions on loan agreements under the General Appropriations Act and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 54. PCG Properties and Lighthouse Reservations. - The PCG shall

continue to exercise exclusive ownership, possession, management, control and supervision over all properties transferred to it by virtue of Executive Order No. 475, dated 30 March 1998, and Executive Order No. 477, dated 15 April 1998, such as, inter alia, vessels, watercrafts, firearms, armaments, munitions, communications and

electronic equipment, vehicles, buildings, real state, lighthouse stations, and 2 reservations.

SEC. 55. Establishment and Expansion of Coast Guard Bases,

4 Equipment and Facilities. - In coordination with other appropriate government agencies, the PCG shall develop and enhance its capabilities in the performance of its mandated functions and establish its strategic presence. To this end, the PCG shall, through the guidance of Congress, draft its development plan that shall reflect its asset, equipment, and facility requirement that includes floating assets, laboratories, land-based support facilities, land mobility, arms and ammunition, rescue and hospital ship, maritime monitoring surveillance and communications system, port facilities, air assets, and air stations.

SEC. 56. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - For submission to the

Secretary of the DOTr for approval, the PCG, not later than one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act, shall issue rules and regulations, determine, fix or prescribe charges, rates, and penalties, as may be necessary, to implement its provisions, as well as the provisions of laws, issuances, decrees and orders related to 17 the implementation of PCG functions.

SEC. 57. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations 20 of the PCG. Thereafter, such amount shall be included in the annual General 21 Appropriations Act.

SEC. 58. Transitory Provisions. - All previous appointments and promotions

of PCG uniformed personnel made prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 59. Adjustment of Retirement Benefits and Pension Indexation.

- The retirement benefits of personnel affected by the implementation of Republic Act No. 9993 as amended by RA 12122, Joint Resolution No. 4, s. 2009, and Joint Resolution No. 1 s. 2018, shall be adjusted as follows:

a) For non-commissioned officers whose retirement benefits were affected by the implementation of Republic Act No. 9993 as amended by RA 12122, any discrepancies resulting from the application of this Act and Republic Act No. 9993 as amended by RA 12122 shall be returned to the retiree. This adjustment shall also apply to the indexation of pensions to base pay scale adjustments affected by Republic Act No. 9993 as amended by RA 12122; and b) The retirement benefits of personnel holding the ranks of admiral and vice admiral, who were adversely affected by Joint Resolution No. 4, s. 2009, entitled: "Joint Resolution Authorizing the President of the Philippines to Modify the Compensation and Position Classification System of Civilian Personnel and the Base Pay Schedule of Military and Uniformed Personnel in the Government, and for Other Purposes," and Joint Resolution No. 1 s. 2018, entitled: "Joint Resolution Authorizing the Increase in Base Pay of Military and Uniformed Personnel in the Government, and for Other Purposes", shall be adjusted to align with the benefits of their contemporary ranks of General and Lieutenant General in the AFP and the PNP. Furthermore, personnel affected by the aforementioned joint resolutions shall be paid the corresponding difference in pay and allowances resulting from these adjustments.

SEC. 60. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is

declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 61. Repealing Clause. - RA 9993 as amended by RA 12122 is hereby

repealed and all laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are likewise hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 62. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.