Matula: Senate allowed an unconstitutional provision in Magna Carta of Seafarers

Federation of Free Workers president and senatorial candidate Sonny Matula criticized the Senate on Saturday for allegedly permitting an "unconstitutional" provision to be included in the Magna Carta of Seafarers (Republic Act 12021).

Matula, who challenged the constitutionality of some provisions of RA 12021 before the Supreme Court, 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.

“The provision punishes seafarers for the actions of ambulance chasers instead of addressing the real issue. The proponents of this provision are barking up the wrong tree,” he said.

Matula claimed that the Senate “succumbed to pressure” from the House of Representatives.

“The Senate initially removed the escrow provision, recognizing its harmful impact on seafarers, yet later yielded to the House’s insistence during the bicameral conference committee—effectively allowing an unconstitutional provision to be reinstated,” Matula said.

“The highest court has consistently ruled that unconstitutional provisions have no legal validity, no matter the intent. Legal classifications must be based on substantial distinctions relevant to the law’s purpose. Section 59 fails this test because it unfairly singles out seafarers, imposing an additional financial hurdle that other workers do not face,” he said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Senate on Matula's statements. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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