Matula asks SC to declare unconstitutional some provisions of seafarers' Magna Carta

Labor leader and senatorial candidate lawyer Sonny Matula on Thursday filed a petition asking the Supreme Court (SC) to declare as unconstitutional some provisions of the Magna Carta of Seafarers. 

In his petition, Matula and two seafarers asked the High Court to declare Section 59 and 60 as unconstitutional for violating the Equal Protection Clause and constitutional right to speedy justice.

He also asked the court for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a writ of preliminary injunction to prohibit the implementation of Sections 59 and 60 and its implementing rules and regulations pending the final resolution of the petition.

Matula argued that Section 59 imposed an “unjust and discriminatory” requirement on seafarers by mandating them to post a bond as a condition for the execution of a monetary award pending appeal. 

He also said that the bond requirement contradicts the principle of speedy justice.

Aside from this, he said that Section 60 usurped the exclusive power of the High Court to promulgate rules concerning the practice of law.

Section 60 provides for the prohibition on appearances and fees for lawyers representing seafarers.

“Hinihikayat din namin ang ibang mga seafarers na mag file, no, at samahan kami sa petisyon na ito,” Matula said.

(We also encourage other seafarers to file and join us in this petition.)

“Sa aming palagay, equal protection para sa seafarers ay naaapakan… ang sinabi ni President Ramon Magsaysay that those who have less in life must have more in law, defining social justice. Sas aming tingin, sa Section 59, ito po ay negative social justice,” Matula said.

(In our opinion, the equal protection of seafarers is being trampled on… As President Ramon Magsaysay said, those who have less in life must have more in law, which defines social justice. In our view, Section 59 represents negative social justice.) –NB, GMA Integrated News

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