House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez praised the signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12021, known as the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday.
The Magna Carta outlines the rights and responsibilities of Filipino seafarers, covering their qualifications, terms of employment, education, and required training.
The law aims to align current regulations with evolving global standards, according to Speaker Romualdez, leader of the House of Representatives with over 300 members.
The signing of the law is timely, coinciding with the celebration of Maritime Day this Thursday. The law also protects female seafarers from discrimination, a key provision highlighted by Speaker Romualdez.
Aside from supporting their families, Filipino seafarers significantly contribute to the country’s foreign exchange remittances, making them vital to the economy.
The Magna Carta includes provisions on seafarers’ rights and duties, protection of women in the maritime industry, emergency rescue for domestic seafarers, manning levels, crew competency requirements, employment terms, accommodation, medical care, inspection, enforcement, and a green lane for overseas and domestic mariners.
It also addresses shipboard training for Philippine-registered ships, incentives and awards in the maritime industry, repatriation, reintegration, education, and the resolution of disputes.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist Representative Jude Acidre, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, expressed confidence that the law will effectively address foreign employers’ concerns regarding the education, training, and competency of Filipino seafarers.