Commissioning of FPB-2401 and FPB-2402
October 15, 2018
His Excellency Ambassador Nicolas Galey of the French Republic; Commissioner Isidro Lapeña of the Bureau of Customs; Undersecretary Ruben Reinoso of the Department of Transportation; Admiral Elson Hermogino, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard; Undersecretary Tonette Tionko of the Department of Finance; men and women of the BOC and the PCG, fellow workers in government, distinguished guests, good morning.
Thank you for inviting me to be with you today for the commissioning of the first two Fast Patrol Vessels we have acquired with the assistance of the French government.
These two vessels we commissioned today along with another unit that is set to be delivered by the end of this year will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs in suppressing smuggling activities in our shores. Under the memorandum of agreement signed today between the two agencies, these fast patrol vessels shall be under the operational control of the Bureau of Customs once deployed to carry out customs-related operations.
They will complement the offshore patrol vessels from the French government to be delivered next year, and twelve other patrol vessels, of which 10 have already been delivered, that were obtained with the assistance of the Japanese Government for the Philippine Coast Guard.
Being an archipelago with twice the coastline of the United States, we have long been vulnerable to smuggling activities. There is no way to accurately estimate the cumulative amount of revenues denied government coffers. But we are sure that the amount is immense, far more than whatever we might be investing today in improving our enforcement capabilities.
The cumulative amount of lost revenues from smuggling could have enabled the government to ramp up spending on infrastructure and social services much sooner than we had planned. Our economic development might have taken a much preferable course. Our people might be more prosperous than they are now.
Today, we are investing heavily to modernize our infrastructure. We are accelerating spending on social services like education and healthcare. We are building up our human capital through improved access to education and more investments in research and training so that we can remain competitive in this era of disruptive technological change. To sustain these initiatives, we need to improve our revenue collection capabilities and thwart efforts to divert revenues that are due to the government.
Of all the items smuggled into our economy, drugs are the most perilous. Those who bring drugs to our coasts are prepared to fight for their evil cargoes. I trust our trained crews are prepared for the inevitable conflict that could break out when the vilest of these rascals are confronted at sea.
I expect very close coordination between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs in the effort to curb smuggling activities. The two agencies are the sharp edges of a single sword. That coordination is the key to winning this war against the smugglers.
I trust the professionals of the Bureau of Customs will use these assets intensively and well. We did not invest in these new vessels for them to be used sparingly. The war against smuggling should be unrelenting.
I am confident the men and women of the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Coast Guard will carry out their missions bravely. With these fast patrol crafts, we cannot be outrun.
Before I close, let me just say that I’m very happy with the choice of the names of these two vessels, Panglao and Boracay, because these two areas are soon going to be our prime tourist areas. First, Boracay is scheduled to be opened this month, and our new international airport in Panglao is scheduled to be inaugurated next month. So with the inauguration of these, I assume they are very auspicious names.
I want again to thank the French people through their government for their great assistance in our efforts here in the Philippines. We look forward to more cooperation with the French people and government.
To both the Customs and the Coast Guard I say go forth then, and get the job done. Our people will benefit hugely from your success.
Thank you and good day.
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