Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to acquire additional vessels and equipment to strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea after the Senate augmented the agency's 2026 budget by PHP8.6 billion, transportation officials said during budget deliberations on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senator JV Ejercito, sponsor of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget, stated that the augmentation would allow the PCG to procure new vessels, including a 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRV) from Japan and three 87-meter vessels to expand the country's maritime patrol capability. The PCG will also receive around 40 aluminum boats for search-and-rescue operations, especially during typhoons and other calamities.
Ejercito mentioned that the focus is on acquiring multi-role vessels and three more 87-meter vessels, with a target of acquiring five in the coming years. Although the Philippines does not expect to match China's large coast guard fleet, the goal is to build a respectable Coast Guard fleet in the next coming years.
In response to Senator Risa Hontiveros' inquiry about the inclusion of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in the augmentation, Ejercito clarified that there is no unmanned vessel on the list. Hontiveros noted that her office received a request from the PCG for USVs and stated she would forward the letter to the committee, emphasizing that such assets are necessary for protecting the country's territory.
Ejercito also confirmed that the vessel acquisition will involve both foreign and domestic construction. The 97-meter vessels will be sourced from Japan, while others will be part of a joint venture with Austal, with one vessel to be constructed in Cebu, supporting efforts to strengthen the country's self-reliant defense posture.
Hontiveros expressed her approval of the additional support for the PCG, describing the fleet expansion as much-needed and well-deserved, given the Coast Guard's frontline role in asserting Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea. The strengthened PCG budget comes amid heightened maritime tensions and is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness and operational presence in the region.
