Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has urged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to incorporate a specialized course on the Philippine Maritime Zones Act into the training regimen for its new recruits. This initiative, proposed during a radio program on January 22, 2025, aims to enhance the recruits’ comprehension of maritime issues, with a particular focus on the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Tolentino emphasized the necessity of this training, stating that understanding the Maritime Zones Act is crucial for addressing challenges such as foreign vessel intrusions in the West Philippine Sea. He highlighted the PCG’s vital role in not only protecting national territory but also in safeguarding the livelihoods of fishermen and maritime travelers.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act, or Republic Act 12064, delineates the boundaries of the country’s maritime jurisdiction, which Tolentino believes should be acknowledged internationally. PCG spokesperson Commodore Algier Ricafrente responded positively to the proposal, noting that the addition of 4,000 new recruits would significantly enhance the PCG’s current strength of 35,000 personnel. These recruits are slated for deployment across various regional offices, further strengthening the PCG’s operational capabilities.