MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law on Monday a landmark legislation expected to ensure fair employment practices, elevate working conditions, and improve the welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino maritime workers.

The Philippines, dubbed as the largest supplier of seafarers globally, provides over a quarter of the world's maritime workforce.

Marcos signed Republic Act 12021 or "An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers" in a ceremony held in Malacañang attended by stakeholders and House and Senate leaders.

According to Marcos, the law aims to protect Filipino seafarers' rights, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and skills development. It also aims to prevent exploitation and discrimination, providing adequate training, secure contracts, fair wages, and benefits.

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The law establishes clear procedures for resolving complaints and strengthens the role of maritime institutions and stakeholders in setting standards for seafarer services. It also prohibits unfair labor practices and certain fees imposed on seafarers.

In his speech, the President acknowledged the economic contributions and sacrifices of Filipino seafarers amid unpredictable conditions and countless threats to their safety and their security at sea, as he assured his government’s continuing commitment to uphold their welfare.

“Today’s signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is our collective acknowledgment of these sacrifices. It is our way of telling our seafarers, 'We see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you,'" the President said.

Marcos had certified the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers as urgent in September 2023. However, Marcos delayed its signing last February pending a review of a contentious provision that required seafarers to pay an execution bond before receiving monetary benefits resulting from their disability.

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MARINA LAUDS MAGNA CARTA FOR SEAFARERS

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on Monday lauded the signing of the measure.

“It’s really very important because the Magna Carta now prescribes ‘yong mga basic welfare and rights of our seafarers," said Luisito Delos Santos, director for Planning and Policy Service of Marina.

"Actually, ‘yong Magna Carta natin, I think that’s the transposition of the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006. So, overdue na po ‘ito and we just have to congratulate everyone that after so many we’re able to finally have this," Delos Santos said.

“[Protected] ang mga basic rights ng ating mga seafarers. For example, ‘yong rights for repatriation; of course, protected din ‘yong mga seafarers natin sa abandonment kasi may mga instances in the past na iyong mga shipowners kapag nagkaka-problema na, ie-embargo, ina-abandon na po ‘yong mga seafarers doon mismo sa loob ng barko."

But Delos Santos admitted there are some birth pains in the implementation of the new law as he sought for additional manpower and funding for Marina.

“For anything new, may mga challenges tayo. Certainly, may mga stakeholders po na matatamaaan sa regulasyon na ‘to,” he said. “Madaming challenges, but we will work to be able to overcome them.”

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