PCG boat purchase needs Aquino’s nod

We write in reference to the article titled “Coast Guard to buy French Navy vessel,” written by Tina G. Santos (News, 8/3/13).

The article reports that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is “set to acquire a 26-year-old former French Navy vessel,” and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya has approved its procurement, according to PCG Commandant Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena.

We would like to thank the Inquirer for helping us inform the public about the progress of our efforts to improve the search and rescue capabilities of the PCG. We would like to clarify, however, that this procurement is still in the preparatory stage and still needs the approval of President Aquino.

The PCG is scheduled to present the proposed acquisition to Secretary Abaya early second week of August, simultaneous with the submission by the Department of Transportation and Communications’ Bids and Awards Committee of its recommendation with respect to the procurement method. Should this be approved, the DOTC will then submit the proposed acquisition to the President for his consideration.

—MICHAEL ARTHUR C. SAGCAL,

spokesperson, Department of Transportation and Communications