PCG warns vs fixers, reminds application to the agency is free

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday warned the public against individuals offering to help applicants gain entry into the agency in exchange for money, reminding that no application fees are required.

This came after authorities arrested a Coast Guard personnel who allegedly asked for P300,000 in exchange for helping applicants secure a slot in the agency.

“Walang bayad ang pag-apply sa PCG. In case na may babayaran 'yung ating aplikante is kapag magpo-proceed sila sa medical examination, pero ang pag-submit ng document, ang pag-apply walang bayad,” PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab told Super Radyo dzBB.

(Applying to the PCG is free of charge. The only cost applicants may incur is if they proceed with the medical examination. The application, including the submission of documents do not require any payment.)

“Walang reserved slot kasi lahat sila dadaan sa proseso, sa pag-e-exam, sa pagco-conduct ng physical at fitness test. So hindi nila kailangan magbayad kasi merit-based application ang ginagawa ng PCG,” she added.

(There are no reserved slots. All applicants will go through the process, including exams and physical and fitness tests. No payment is required since PCG applications are merit-based.)

Guirao-Cayabyab explained the Coast Guard implements a thorough recruitment process due to the high number of applications.

In 2025, nearly 44,000 people applied, while the agency has only 4,000 slots.

Guirao-Cayabyab said applicants may send their application to PCG’s official social media platforms to avoid travel expenses. —RF, GMA Integrated News