By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANDALUYONG CITY — Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez on Tuesday (Nov. 4) expressed firm support for the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) amid online ridicule and disinformation, reaffirming its commitment to defend the PCG’s integrity and accelerate its modernization.
This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to protect and strengthen key institutions that safeguard national security, uphold truth in public discourse, and ensure the welfare and professionalism of uniformed personnel serving the Filipino people.
“We stand firmly with the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard. Hindi biro ang trabaho nila — they face real risks every single day to protect our maritime borders and uphold our sovereignty,” Acting Secretary Lopez said.
The statement came as House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur (1st District) Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong denounced online mockery targeting the PCG and filed House Bill No. 5552, which seeks to modernize the country’s Coast Guard service.
Lopez said that the DOTr fully supports the PCG and its personnel who face real dangers daily in defending Philippine sovereignty and ensuring maritime safety.
“Ridiculing them or spreading fake news about their work only undermines national security. Instead, we should all support them,” he noted.
The DOTr chief made clear the department’s position against any proposal to abolish or defund the PCG, calling it an indispensable pillar of national maritime security.
“The Coast Guard is essential to our maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Hindi puwedeng i-abolish ang institusyong nagbabantay sa ating karagatan,” Lopez said.
He also voiced the DOTr’s full support for House Bill No. 5552, saying that, the measure will provide the long-overdue resources, benefits, and recognition deserved by the PCG.
To help address the spread of false information, Lopez said that the DOTr is coordinating closely with the PCG’s Public Affairs Office, the Presidential Communications Office, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to ensure timely, accurate public updates on maritime developments.
“We’re working closely with the PCG’s communications teams to make sure accurate information reaches the public. Misinformation is not just an online issue — it’s a national concern. We need to be united in protecting truth and trust,” he said.
The DOTr is also implementing initiatives to boost morale among PCG personnel through improved training, equipment, and welfare programs.
“The DOTr stands behind them, and the Filipino people should too. Every insult they receive online, we answer with stronger institutional support,” Lopez said.
He stressed that supporting the PCG is not only a matter of agency solidarity but a reaffirmation of national unity and pride in those safeguarding Philippine waters.
“The PCG embodies discipline, courage, and service. When we defend them, we defend our sovereignty,” Lopez said. ###
