Coast Guard: DILG's Diño is not a PCGA rear admiral

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday said it is looking into filing a case against Local Government Undersecretary Martin Diño for wearing the uniform of a rear admiral of the PCG Auxiliary.

 

In a statement to media, Coast Guard Captain Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said verification found that Diño "is not a legitimate member of the organization and hence not entitled to wear the PCGA uniform." 

 

Balilo cited Republic Act No. 9993, or the act establishing the PCG "as an armed and uniformed services attaches to the Department of Transportation and Communications," saying the PCG has sole responsibility and authority over the PCG Auxiliary membership and activities.

 

"The PCG has the right to file formal complaint for usurpation of authority and other criminal laws that may be violated by the improper wearing of the organization’s rank and uniform," Balilo said.

 

He said, however, that the Coast Guard will coordinate with the presidential appointee, "who may have been misled and recruited by bogus PCG Auxiliary organization known for collecting money from its recruits."

 

He said the PCG "is also checking reports that a certain Admiral Winefredo Villanueva from Manila Yacht Club is behind this scheme."

 

Diño's name is not included in a list of members on the PCGA website. The list was last updated on Feb. 28, 2017.

 

The PCG issued the clarification after some online users questioned the propriety of photo of Diño wearing the uniform of a reaar admiral of the PCGA. 

 

The PCG is led by Coast Guard Rear Admiral Elson Hermogino, commandant. Coast Guard Commodore Athelo Ybanez Hermogino is deputy commandant.

 

Diño's photo has been circulating online and has earned him criticism on social media.

 

Facebook page "Philippines Defense Forces Forum" criticized the undersecretary for "desecrating the PCGA with his fake rank, fake uniform and unearned, unmerited badges and ribbons."

 

It accused Diño of violating RA 9993.

 

"All he did is laugh arrogantly when informed of his transgressions," the page said.