VICE ADMIRAL ROBERT N PATRIMONIO PCG (RET)
President, ProLifeToday Inc.
Vice Admiral Patrimonio culminated his distinguished service on 9 May 2025 as Commander of the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command (MARSLEC), leaving behind a legacy of operational excellence, institution-building, and a series of historic firsts — most notably serving as the FIRST Philippine Maritime Attaché to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. In that pioneering diplomatic post, he represented the Philippines in advancing maritime safety, environmental protection, and security at the global level, strengthening the country’s voice in international maritime governance.
He spearheaded the activation of the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Group (MARSLEG), a specialized force tasked with safeguarding ports, ships, borders, and municipal waters. In May 2024, he directed the deployment of 110 additional MARSLEG personnel to six key regions, intensifying the fight against human trafficking, illegal fishing, and the smuggling of drugs, arms, and other contraband. Under his leadership, MARSLEC earned ISO certification, aligning its operations with global standards of efficiency and professionalism.
Vice Admiral Patrimonio championed bridging the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) capability gaps, highlighting the acquisition of four 97‑meter multi-role vessels and six smaller patrol ships from Japan and France to reinforce coverage in critical maritime zones such as Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga.
His leadership extended beyond operational strategy to values formation. In May 2024, he hosted a Bible-giving ceremony at MARSLEC, underscoring moral resilience and spiritual grounding as vital components of service culture. Years earlier, as the longest‑serving Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Comptrollership (CG‑6), he achieved historic budget increases — 87 percent in 2013 and 114 percent in 2018 — laying the financial foundation for the PCG’s modernization program. His earlier commands included Coast Guard Stations Dumaguete, Iligan, and Catbalogan, as well as leadership roles as Superintendent of the Coast Guard School, Commander of the Coast Guard Logistics Command, Commander of the Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Command, and Commander of the Marine Environmental Protection Command. He also served as Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Maritime Safety Services Command and as Deputy Chief for Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information System (CG‑11), blending technical acumen with operational command.
Born on 12 May 1969 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Patrimonio graduated from the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991. He began his service in the Philippine Navy before transferring to the PCG in 1996. Academically accomplished, he holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Mindanao State University (Marawi) and a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, major in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection, from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. He is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Safety and Security Governance at the Public Safety College in Quezon City, reflecting his lifelong dedication to learning and leadership.
Over more than three decades in uniform — from commanding ships and stations, to serving in senior staff positions, to representing the nation on the world maritime stage — Vice Admiral Patrimonio has been recognized as a strategic leader, resource steward, and nation-builder. Married to Ms. Phee Margaret Anne Langes Legaspi and father to Timothy Robert, Paul Andrew Victor, Patrick Stephen, and Pheeby Mary Eillen, his retirement ceremony honored both his professional achievements and the unwavering support of his family. His trailblazing appointment as the first Philippine Maritime Attaché to the IMO stands as a defining milestone in the Philippines’ maritime history, ensuring his influence will resonate long after his watch has ended.
