Lawmaker: Magna carta to give peace of mind to Filipino seafarers

LAWMAKERS of the House of Representatives on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s approval of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Republic Act 12021 is the law providing for the Magna Carta. Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos Atayde, one of the measure's authors, said in a statement that the new law would "bring peace of mind to more than half a million Filipino seafarers and their families and ensure the protection of our Filipino merchant fleet." Atayde said that the law has many good provisions. "But the challenge to us is to ensure that it is properly implemented so that our sea-based kababayan (countrymen) can maximize the benefits of the law," he said. "The success of the Magna Carta depends on how effectively it is enforced. Implementing agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) must ensure that both local and international employers follow the provisions of the law," Atayde said. The Magna Carta enumerates Filipino seafarers' rights, including the right to self-organization and collective bargaining, educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs, information, and free legal representation, among others. Also among the rights enumerated in the Magna Carta is the right to information about seafarers' families or next of kin. Under the new law, Filipino seafarers "who are victims of violations of the provisions of the Magna Carta or of their employment contract who cannot afford the services of competent legal counsel shall have the right to free legal representation, assistance, and counseling by the Public Attorney's Office (PAO)." Atayde said that the law mandates implementing agencies to focus on the establishment of seafarers' welfare centers and one-stop shops. "The law directs the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to establish seafarer welfare facilities or centers in major crew-change ports, specifically in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, and other areas to be determined by OWWA," he said. "The center shall offer services that promote the welfare of, and cater to, the recreational, cultural, religious, communication and legal needs of seafarers." These centers should have one-stop shops with "representatives from government agencies that process or issue licenses, permits, clearances and other documents required by seafarers." It would be good to prioritize this so that our seafarers would immediately feel the benefits of the law, Atayde said. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also welcomed the signing into law of the measure. "This historic piece of legislation will ensure the protection and continuous employment of Filipino sailors — most of them are employed by foreign shipping companies. They will be able to continue to support their families back home," the House chief said in a press release. Romualdez, a lawyer, said that the new law makes regulations up to date with world standards. He said that the law also protects women seafarers against discrimination. House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said that the new law sufficiently addresses the concerns that foreign employers had had on Filipino seafarers' education, training, and competency. "We hope our sailors will not face the same threats of being blacklisted by some shipping companies in Europe due to these concerns," Acidre said. Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, a champion of seafarers' rights, said that the signing into law of the measure was "a victory for the entire maritime industry." "The law provides the legal foundation to safeguard the rights, enhance working conditions, and secure the futures of our seafarers," Salo said. "This Magna Carta ensures that future generations of Filipino seafarers will have the practical training they need to excel in the industry. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing our seafarers to remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing maritime landscape," he added. "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 also strengthened our position as a key player in the global shipping industry. 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," OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino said.