The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has fired back at Representative Kiko Barzaga (4th District, Cavite) following his controversial call to abolish the agency, calling his remarks “reckless and deeply insulting” to the thousands of uniformed personnel who serve on the frontlines of the country’s maritime defense.
In a strongly worded statement released Monday, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela condemned Rep. Barzaga’s recent comments—made during a House committee hearing—where the lawmaker suggested that the PCG should be dissolved and its functions absorbed by other agencies.
“Congressman Barzaga’s statements not only distort facts but also disrespect the brave men and women of the PCG who risk their lives daily to safeguard our sovereignty and sovereign rights, ensure maritime safety, and uphold the rule of law,” Tarriela said.
The rebuke comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the PCG has played a pivotal role in asserting the Philippines’ maritime claims against repeated incursions by Chinese vessels. Just last week, PCG ships engaged in a tense standoff near Sabina Shoal, escorting Filipino fishermen and documenting aggressive maneuvers by foreign coast guard and militia boats.
Tarriela emphasized that the PCG is not only a humanitarian and law enforcement body but also a key instrument of national security under both domestic law and international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Abolishing the PCG would not only weaken our maritime governance—it would send a dangerous signal to the international community that the Philippines is retreating from its responsibilities as a coastal state,” he warned.
The PCG, operating under the Department of Transportation, has seen its mandate expand significantly in recent years, especially as the Philippines seeks to de-escalate conflict through non-military means. Unlike the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PCG is explicitly civilian in character—making it a critical actor in diplomatic and legal efforts to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Critics of Barzaga’s proposal argue that dismantling the PCG would create operational chaos, erode institutional expertise, and leave Filipino fisherfolk vulnerable in contested waters. Maritime security analysts also note that virtually every coastal nation maintains a dedicated coast guard—including China, which has heavily militarized its own.
As of press time, Rep. Barzaga has not issued a public clarification or retraction. However, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism from maritime law experts, veteran sailors, and civil society groups, who called the proposal “ill-informed” and “dangerous.”
The PCG said it remains focused on its mission. “We will not be distracted by baseless political statements,” Tarriela affirmed. “Our personnel are out there—rain or shine, calm or storm—protecting our seas, our people, and our future.”
For more updates on Philippine maritime affairs, follow Balitang Huli.
