MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law on Monday, aiming to protect the rights and welfare of both domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers and promote their full employment.
In a ceremony held at Malacañang, Marcos enacted Republic Act (RA) No. 12021, also known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in the presence of legislators, Cabinet members, and representatives from the maritime sector.
In his address, Marcos emphasized the government’s recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of Filipino seafarers. “This is our way of saying to our seafarers, we see you, we hear you, and we stand by you,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to lawmakers for advancing the rights of seafarers and addressing the challenges they face.
The Magna Carta comes at a crucial time, Marcos noted, in light of recent attacks on cargo ships and tankers in the Red Sea.
The law establishes a comprehensive framework to safeguard and enhance the rights of Filipino seafarers both in local and international shipping. It also seeks to improve seafarers’ education, training, and cadetship programs to ensure they possess the necessary skills for the industry.
Key provisions of the law include the harmonization of policies among agencies like the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Migrant Workers. MARINA, in particular, will be tasked with overseeing maritime education, including accrediting, regulating, and monitoring educational institutions offering maritime degree programs and technical courses.
RA No. 12021 also introduces mechanisms for the fair and swift resolution of seafarers’ claims, including wages, statutory benefits, and death or disability claims. In cases where a seafarer wins an appeal, the losing party must promptly reimburse the seafarer’s bond.
A Landmark Law
House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed the law as a significant step towards securing the protection and continued employment of Filipino seafarers. “This ensures they can keep supporting their families back home,” Romualdez said. The new law aligns Philippine maritime regulations with international standards, allowing Filipino seafarers to maintain their competitive edge globally.
Romualdez added that the timing of the law’s enactment coincides with the upcoming celebration of Maritime Day on September 26, 2024. He also noted that the Magna Carta includes provisions that protect female seafarers from workplace discrimination.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, emphasized that the law addresses concerns raised by foreign employers regarding the training and competency of Filipino seafarers. “With this law in place, we hope to avoid the threats of blacklisting made by some European shipping companies in the past,” Acidre said, noting that the law aligns with international legislation and standards, ensuring continued employment opportunities for Filipino sailors.
OFW Party-list Representative Marissa Magsino described the Magna Carta as a “legislative triumph” that will reinforce the Philippines’ position as a leading supplier of maritime labor and bolster the economy through seafarer remittances. According to the 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report by the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Philippines remains the top supplier of seafarers globally.
Magsino praised Filipino seafarers for their role in global trade and economic growth, stating, “Their hard work and dedication have strengthened our maritime industry and our economy.” She added that the Magna Carta ensures that their contributions will be duly recognized and their rights protected.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, one of the authors of the law, expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for signing the measure, calling it a fitting tribute to Filipino seafarers. He also thanked his colleagues in the Senate and stakeholders like the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines for their support. Tulfo hopes for the proper implementation of the law to guarantee that seafarers receive the protection and support they deserve. (with a report from Filane Mikee Cervantes/Leonel Abasola/PNA)
