An act fixing the term of office of Philippine Coast Guard commandant to three years was enacted into law days before the retirement of the incumbent coast guard chief.

The measure that was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, states that "the commandant shall have a maximum term of three years, which shall commence on the date the appointment is signed unless sooner terminated by the president."

Republic Act No. 12122 also noted that "the PCG commandant shall be compulsorily retired upon completion of the maximum term or upon relief by the president."

The "act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on September 19, 2024, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on January 20, 2025 and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representative on February 5, 2025."

Without the newly signed law, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan who assumed the top position last October 2023 would only be able to serve his term for around 16 months as he is set to reach his mandatory retirement age of 56 on Friday.

After the Senate approved the bill last month, Senate President Francis Escudero, who sponsored the committee report on House Bill No. 10841, said that fixing the term of PCG commandant to three years will provide stability to the service in the face of challenges confronting the country in the West Philippine Sea.

He noted that "the measure is aligned with the security interest of the country as it ensures continuity in the position and leadership of the PCG chief."

"Given the situation we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, it is in our best interest to ensure that we have some level of continuity in the leadership of the PCG, the agency tasked to patrol our territorial waters and secure our shores," Escudero said.

"This would allow CG Admiral Galvan to continue leading the valiant men and women of the PCG, who have been faced with great adversity in the post-war era and have effectively upheld our sovereignty in our territorial waters," he added. Robina Asido/DMS