By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which aims to protect the rights and overall welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers as well as promote their full employment.
In a ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12021, or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, before legislators, Cabinet members, and other stakeholders from the maritime sector.
In his message, Marcos said the signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is part of the government’s collective acknowledgment of seafarers’ sacrifices and contributions to the country.
“It is our way of telling our seafarers, we see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you,” Marcos said.
He also thanked lawmakers for “bolstering seafarers rights, addressing their challenges, and empowering their dreams.”
Marcos said the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is “very timely,” citing the recent incidents of attacks on cargo ships and tankers in the Red Sea.
The new law aims to create a comprehensive framework for preserving and improving the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers in local and international shipping. It also seeks to improve seafarers’ education, training, and cadetship programs to improve mariners’ skills.
It will “harmonize policies” among concerned agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Migrant Workers.
Meanwhile, MARINA will be mandated to oversee maritime education with powers to accredit, regulate, and monitor education and training institutions offering maritime degree programs and technical courses.
The RA No. 12021 also establishes mechanisms, rules, and procedures to ensure the fair, speedy, equitable, and just disposition and execution of decisions granting seafarers’ salaries, wages, statutory benefits, and death and disability claims.
If the seafarer wins the appeal, the losing party must immediately reimburse the seafarer’s bond.
Landmark law
House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the landmark law is a significant step to ensure the protection and continuous employment of Filipino sailors.
“They will be able to continue to support their families back home,” Romualdez said.
He said the new law updates existing regulations to keep them abreast with world standards, ensuring that Filipino seafarers maintain their competitive edge globally.
“With this measure, we hope we can remain to be the largest supplier of seafarers in the world,” he said, noting the timing of the law’s passage aligns with the upcoming celebration of Maritime Day 2024 on Sept. 26.
The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers also protects women sailors against discrimination in the workplace, he said.
Romualdez highlighted that Filipino mariners account for a large part of foreign exchange remittances to the country.
“Their remittances contribute significantly to keeping the economy on the high-growth path,” he said. “Our seafarers are among our modern-day heroes.”
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acide, chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said the law sufficiently addresses the concerns of foreign employers regarding the education, training, and competency of Filipino seafarers.
“We hope our sailors will not face the same threats of being blacklisted made in the past by some shipping companies in Europe due to these concerns,” Acidre said. “Our law conforms with international legislation and standards, which means that foreign companies will most likely continue employing our sailors.”
OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino said the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is a “legislative triumph” that would reinforce the Philippines’ position as a leading supplier of maritime labor and bolster the economy through remittances from seafarers.
According to the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Seafarer Workforce Report in 2021, the largest supplier of seafarers for both officers and ratings was the Philippines, followed by the Russian Federation, Indonesia, China, and India.
“From navigating the world’s oceans to facilitating international trade, Filipino seafarers have played a vital role in driving the maritime sector forward. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience have not only contributed to the growth of our economy but have also strengthened our position as a key player in the global shipping industry,” Magsino said.
“With the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers now in place, our seafarers can look forward to greater protection of their rights and welfare, ensuring that their contributions are duly recognized and respected,” she added. (with a report from Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)
