Iminungkahi ni Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Jay Tarriela kay Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga na kumonsulta muna sa doktor o abogado niya kaugnay sa "clearer understanding" niya patungkol sa PCG.
Kaugnay ito sa apela ni Barzaga na i-abolish na lamang ang PCG dahil sa "corruption" at pagiging posibleng maging sanhi ng World War III, kaugnay sa gusot sa West Philippine Sea.
“The Philippine Coast Guard will become the cause of World War III,” aniya, sa kaniyang Facebook post nitong Martes, Oktubre 28.
“The Philippine Coast Guard is a corrupt establishment that used to provide high ranking positions to undeserving officials such as Vice Admiral Martin Romualdez and and PCG Rear Admiral Larry Gadon,” ani Barzaga.
“Such promotions to individuals that lacks the physical, mental, and moral excellence that is expected of our nation's officers. Only further enforces, in my belief, that the Philippine Coast Guard is inherently one of the most corrupt branches of our government,” paliwanag pa niya.
Pagpapatuloy pa ni Barzaga, pinapataas daw ngayon ng PCG ang tensyon sa West Philippine Sea dahil sa umano’y pakikialam nila sa pagitan ng mga bansang China at Taiwan.
“The Coast Guard has been constantly escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea with the idiotic goal in interfering with China and Taiwan's eventual reunification,” aniya.
“A point of conflict which has nothing to do with the Filipino people. Where the PCG plans to waste millions of Filipino lives,” pagdidiin pa niya.
Dahil umano rito, pinanawagan ni Barzaga na buwagin ang nasabing ahensya dahil sinasayang lang daw nito ang pondo ng bansa.
“There’s no future for the Philippines with the PCG holding power over our military. And since the PCG no longer serves the interest of the Filipino people, I move to call the abolition of the Philippine Coast Guard as they are a waste for our government funds,” pagtatapos pa niya.
Samantala, agad na bumwelta naman sa kaniya si Tarriela sa pamamagitan ng social media post.
Tinawag niyang "misleading and inflammatory remarks" ang mga naging pahayag ng mambabatas laban sa PCG.
Mababasa sa kaniyang post, published as is, "I am compelled to respond to the misleading and inflammatory remarks made by Cong. Kiko Barzaga in a circulating video, which grossly misrepresent the Philippine Coast Guard’s mandate, operations, and the very essence of our service to the Filipino people."
"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. We urge the public to discern facts from fiction and to stand with those truly committed to the defense of our national interests."
"Cong. Barzaga’s assertion that the PCG’s actions in the West Philippine Sea could 'cause World War III' and have 'nothing to do with the lives of the Filipino people' is alarmist, inaccurate, and deeply irresponsible. The WPS is not an abstract geopolitical issue—it is part of our national patrimony. It encompasses 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."
"Our patrols and operations prevent the normalization of China’s illegal activities, protect our fishermen from harassment, and expose violations of international norms. The PCG stands resolute: our operations in the WPS are acts of patriotism and public service, carried out with professionalism, transparency, adherence to law and restraint."
"Equally troubling is his baseless accusation that the PCG is a 'corrupt organization' that confers 'high ranks' on political figures. This claim is factually wrong and legally unfounded. Republic Act No. 9993, or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, clearly defines our organizational structure and the role of the PCG Auxiliary—a civilian volunteer under the direct supervision of the PCG Commandant. The honorary ranks they receive are symbolic of recognition, not authority. They hold no command positions and exercise no operational control over the PCG."
"Most concerning, however, is Cong. Barzaga’s claim that 'the Philippines has no future with the PCG holding power in the military.' This reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding or a deliberate distortion of fact. The PCG is not part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 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."
Giit pa ng PCG spox, "As a member of@HouseofRepsPH, to call for the abolition of the PCG and dismiss our existence as a 'waste of government funds' is both reckless and deeply insulting to the 36,000 strong of the PCG who serve this nation with honor and courage. Our men and women operate in the harshest conditions—rescuing those in distress at sea, enforcing maritime laws, protecting our environment, and standing firm against coercion in the WPS. Many have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. To trivialize their service as wasteful betrays not only a lack of understanding but also a lack of empathy."
"We will remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold our mandate with professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the Filipino people. We will not be distracted by disinformation or political grandstanding. Instead, we will continue to fulfill our duties—calmly, lawfully, and resolutely—guided by the rule of law and love of country."
Kaya sa dulo, aniya, "I respectfully urge Cong. Barzaga to retract his statements and recommend that he consult with a doctor or a lawyer for a clearer understanding of the Philippine Coast Guard."
Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Jay Tarriela/X
Samantala, wala pang reaksiyon, tugon, o pahayag ang kampo ni Barzaga hinggil dito.
KAUGNAY NA BALITA: 'It is deeply insulting!' PCG spox Jay Tarriela, sinita panawagang abolisyon ni Barzaga