Kiko Barzaga's call to abolish PCG 'unfair, irresponsible,' spokesmen say

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday called out Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga for his call to abolish the maritime institution, describing the lawmaker's remarks as unfair and irresponsible.

"Recent remarks made by Congressman Francisco 'Kiko' Austria Barzaga Jr. are unfair to the dedicated men and women of the PCG," the PCG said in a statement.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the command remains open to dialogue with Barzaga and all other lawmakers to clarify misconceptions and strengthen cooperation for maritime security and safety.

Meanwhile, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela in a separate statement called Barzaga's remarks "alarmist, inaccurate, and deeply irresponsible."

"Cong. 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.

In a video posted on his Facebook page, Barzaga said the PCG will become the cause of World War III.

"The Coast Guard has been constantly escalating tensions in the WPS with the idiotic goal of interfering with China and Taiwan's eventual reunification—a point of conflict which has nothing to do with the Filipino people where the PCG plans to waste millions of Filipino lives," Barzaga said.

In response, Tarriela pointed out that the WPS is "not an abstract geopolitical issue" but a part of the Philippines' national patrimony, encompassing vital fishing grounds, trade routes, and marine resources that sustain millions of Filipino families. 

"The PCG's presence there is not an act of provocation. PCG's absence would be a blatant dereliction of duty. We are mandated to uphold and protect our sovereign rights under international law, including the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award," Tarriela said.

Barzaga also tagged the PCG as "corrupt," citing the high-ranking positions given to "underserving public officials," naming Leyte Representative and former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon.

"Such promotions to individuals that lack the physical, mental, and moral excellence that is expected of our nation's officers only further reinforces my belief that the PCG is inherently one of the most corrupt branches of our government," Barzaga said.

However, Cayabyab explained that the PCG and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) are two distinct entities, with the latter composed of civilian volunteers who assist in community-based and humanitarian missions.

"PCGA members are not active-duty PCG officers, and their honorary ranks do not confer authority or compensation," she said.

Barzaga also claimed that the PCG was "holding power over our military," which, for Tarriela, is the "most concerning."

"This reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding or a deliberate distortion of fact. The PCG is not part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Tarriela said.

"We are armed and uniformed service, but not a military organization that is attached to the Department of Transportation, mandated to promote maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection. To portray the PCG as a military is not only inaccurate—it undermines the principles upon which civilian maritime governance is built," he added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Barzaga on the PCG's response to his call but he has yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

As provided by Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, the PCG is an armed and uniformed service attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It is mandated to perform maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection, and maritime security in the country's waters. — VDV, GMA Integrated News