PNoy bewails corruption at Coast Guard event

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday led the Philippine Coast Guard in celebrating its 110th anniversary by once more bewailing corruption in the government and assuring those in attendance that his administration will not tolerate such abuses. In his speech, Aquino noted that corruption has resulted in the Coast Guard — as well as the military and the police — lagging behind their counterparts in other countries in terms of quality of training and firearms. “Paano ba naman kasi, habang nagtatampisaw sa perang mula sa kaban ng bayan ang mga makapangyarihan, nalulunod at nag-aagaw buhay naman si Juan dela Cruz sa gutom at kahirapan," Aquino said. “Ang mga ganitong uri ng katiwalian; ang mga ganitong klase ng utak-wangwang ang hindi kukunsintihin at hindi palalampasin ng inyong administrasyon," he added. Aquino said his administration’s reforms are focused on the Coast Guard’s disaster preparedness and response, modernization of equipment, and improved capability to safe guard people. “Ginagawa natin lahat ng ito dahil ganito ang Coast Guard na inaasahan ng taumbayan; ginagawa natin ang mga ito dahil sila ang ating Boss, at obligasyon nating sila ay paglingkuran… Makakaasa kayong habang ginugugol ninyo ang inyong oras at pagod sa pagbabantay sa ating karagatan, doble-kayod din ang ating administrasyon sa pagtugon sa inyong pangangailangan," he said. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag said while fulfilling its duties within its budget, his agency has been cooperating with its foreign counterparts to develop its resources and participate in unified international action against law enforcement, safety and environmental protection. Liwag said in the next few weeks, the Vietnam Marine Police will be added to the Philippines’ international partners. He said he also currently heads the chairmanship of the governing council of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships (ReCAAP) in Asia. He said the 6,000-strong Coast Guard is being complemented by its 10,000 auxiliary force in its marine environmental protection and search and rescue operations. He said the budget of the Coast Guard has also risen from P2 billion to P3.255 billion in 2012. Because of the increasing financial support, he said his agency is proceeding with the procurement of multi-role response helicopters. “We are looking into the best designs of helicopters that can inter-operate with our vessels in search and rescue operations and armed encounters," Liwag said, adding that his agency is studying the best design of “surface assets that are best adapted to conditions in the high seas" particularly 30- to 40-meter vessels. “The Command firmly believes that the prominent and visible action of these surface and air assets will inspire confidence in the ability of the government to take care of private investments in the maritime sector," Liwag said. — KBK, GMA News