Senate ratifies Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

The Senate on Wednesday approved and ratified the bicameral conference committee version of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. 

This developed days after the bicameral panel reconciled the disagreeing provisions of the proposed measure, which institutionalizes the protection of Filipino seafarers’ rights.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said that under the reconciled version, Filipino seafarers onboard are entitled to paid annual leave of 3.5 calendar days per month of employment.

The proposed measure also institutionalizes shipboard training, which will be monitored and regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority.

“This ultimately addresses the repeated concern on the credentials of our seafarers and their compliance with the STCW [Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers],” said Tulfo in his speech.

“This will fulfill our commitment with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA),” he added.

To recall, the European Union previously warned that Filipino maritime workers may be banned from its vessels following the Philippines’ repeated failures to hurdle the EMSA’s evaluation for the past 16 years.

But in March 2022, the regional bloc announced it would continue to recognize Philippine-issued certificates for seafarers, citing the country’s “serious efforts to comply with the requirements, in particular in key areas like the monitoring, supervision and evaluation of training and assessment.”

Meanwhile, Tulfo said the reconciled version of the proposed bill provided a “win-win” solution for shipping companies and seafarers seeking disability claims through execution of bond.

“In the bicam version, the said bond would be posted only for the disputed portion of the award.  And if the seafarer ultimately prevails in the case, he will be reimbursed with the cost of putting up the bond,” said Tulfo.

The provision is supported by AMOSUP, the biggest union of seafarers in the country, the legislator added.

House ratifies proposed bill

Likewise, the House of Representatives ratified the reconciled version of the magna carta. 

Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo, chairperson of the House panel in the bicameral committee, lauded the ratification of the measure saying it will serve as the “bible” of Filipino seafarers.

“This vital piece of legislation serves as the ‘bible’ of our seafarers, institutionalizing crucial safeguards on rights of seafarers, including safe and favorable working conditions,” said Salo.

“It emphasizes the provision of essential support, welfare, and protection for seafarers—a tribute to their invaluable contributions to our maritime industry and the Philippine economy,” he said.

Salo also said the proposed bill “reflects the government's proactive stance in ensuring a safe, dignified, and nurturing environment” for seafarers and that its passage will revitalize the country’s maritime industry.

“Upon President Marcos's signature, this legislation will stand tall as a testament to our nation's appreciation and unyielding commitment to our seafarers—an embodiment of our pledge to protect their rights and well-being,” the solon said. 

"Indeed, this is our very special Christmas gift to our Filipino seafarers," he added.

OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 7325, said the passage of the landmark legislation gives seafarers the “recognition and protection they rightly deserve”.

“The OFW Party List strongly believes that our seafarers are integral to the OFW sector, thus it fought to include provisions in the measure that would give the best terms of employment and highest protection of the seafarers’ rights,” said Magsino.

“And this would not have been possible without the substantial inputs of the stakeholders, thus the passage of the Magna Carta of Seafarers is a shared achievement with our seafarers and the maritime industry stakeholders,” she added.

Following the ratification, the proposed bill will be transmitted to the Office of the President for his approval and signature. —RF, GMA Integrated News