Manila, Aug. 11 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a step closer to getting a modern organizational structure, and clearer authority and benefits comparable with other uniformed services after the Senate unanimously approved its proposed new charter on Tuesday.

Voting 19-0 with no abstention, senators approved Senate Bill No. 2116, or the proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law, which Senator Raffy Tulfo said would give the service both the legal muscle and institutional support needed to guard the country's waters.

"Binigyan natin ang PCG ng matibay na legal authority at administrative independence upang walang pag-aalinlangan nilang mapangalagaan ang ating maritime jurisdiction (We are giving the PCG firm legal authority and a...