Noy names new Coast Guard chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed Rear Admiral Edmund Castor Tan as the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), replacing Admiral Ramon Liwag who reached the retirement age of 56 yesterday.

Aquino reminded the newly appointed Coast Guard chief of the importance of his position, as it involves saving the lives of people at sea. Tan was also told to make sure that all his men are fully equipped with the skills to perform their tasks.

During yesterday’s change of command ceremonies at the PCG headquarters in Manila, the President hinted at appointing Liwag to another post. Aquino did not give specifics, saying he was giving Liwag a one-day respite from public service.

He also made similar remarks to retired AFP chief of staff Eduardo Oban Jr., whom he wanted to appoint to another government post, saying he still has two months to enjoy his retirement.

“We will emulate Chief of Staff Ed Oban. It seems too early, Ed. I promised him three months. You still have two months left, but if you are ready, we are ready,” Aquino said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Mar Roxas confirmed that Liwag would be given a position in the department but declined to disclose what position since they need to first discuss the matter with the concerned agency.

“The President values highly the services of Admiral Liwag and there are several positions that he is being considered for,” said Roxas.

Aquino reportedly took into consideration Liwag’s “experience in commanding large numbers of people and experience in complex multi-faceted operations. So those are the elements that his next positing will feature.”

“I don’t want to make a formal announcement as to which agency Liwag would be placed in because it would depend on how long the Admiral intends to go on vacation,” Roxas said.

In his out-going speech, Liwag said that after 33 years of serving the PCG, he is now looking forward to a movie marathon with his wife Mafe and daughter Paula and taking long walks with them. To them he said, “I am yours.”

In a previous interview, he said that he would like to spend time with his family and maybe go into farming.

However, he added that if he would be called back to government he would not be able to say “no” to the President.

Tan: Maritime security is primordial concern

Tan vowed to continue the programs of his predecessor by strengthening the security of the country’s 36,000 nautical miles of coastline, which is almost double that of the US coastline.

The 24th PCG commandant said that he will “go by President Aquino’s commitment to prioritize maritime security in the face of many challenges and threats at sea,” noting terror threats, smuggling, drug trafficking, climate change and many others.

Tan also gave assurances that the Coast Guard will coordinate with other uniformed services such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in contributing to the peace and prosperity of the nation.

The new PCG chief hails from Dumaguete City and is a member of the Mapitagan Class 1980 of the Philippine Military Academy.

Tan once served as PCG station commander in Roxas City, the home province of Roxas. The PCG is under the jurisdiction of the DOTC.

“Whether it is Reed Bank or Recto Reef we would follow the matuwid na landas (straight path), the PCG is with you.”

He also expressed his gratitude to Roxas for making him a player of his team.

Tan mentioned the importance of the PCG in the country’s future and development and even said, “Our beloved country is definitely Coast Guard territory.” 

Tan facing graft charges

However, Tan is facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan.

In an information filed before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division, the Office of the Ombudsman has accused Tan of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practice Act.

“On Sept. 21, 2007, in Sibugay, Zamboanga, accused Tan, a public officer being a member of the Philippine Coast Guard, taking advantage of his official position and committing the offense in relation to his office, being the regional head of the PCG of the place wherein the iron ore cargo was being shipped by LCT Kapitan, did then and there willfully, unlawfully and criminally cause undue injury to one Reynaldo Chua Jr. by giving a certain Benito Aratea Sr., a private individual, unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference,” the information reads.

“Tan held in abeyance the voyage of LCT Kapitan wherein the cargo of private complainant Reynaldo Chua Jr. is being transported, based on a fictitious temporary restraining order issued against the iron ore cargo of a certain Reynaldo Chua Jr., thus causing the latter to pay the amount of P500,000 as demurrages covering the period Sept. 21 to 26 to the benefit of a certain Benito Aratea Sr.,” it added.

The Office of the Ombudsman recommended a bail of P30,000 for the accused.

Assistant Special Prosecutor 1 Jorge Espinal noted that “on the basis of the sworn statements, there is reasonable ground to believe that the offense charged has been committed and that the accused is probably guilty thereof.” – Rhodina Villanueva, Evelyn Macairan