The passage of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, along with its recently signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), signifies a pivotal moment in addressing long-standing challenges within the maritime industry.
During a forum on the ‘Magna Carta Law and IRR’ organized by the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) Maritime Group, Congressman Ron Salo underscored the critical role maritime stakeholders played in advocating for this legislation. He emphasized that the law is designed to protect the rights and welfare of seafarers while adhering to international standards such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
“This law was enacted to address decades of challenges faced by the men and women who risk their lives at sea to keep global trade moving,” Salo stated. He highlighted issues such as ambulance chasing and non-compliance with international maritime standards—problems that have threatened the job security of Filipino seafarers.
Often referred to as the Father of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, Salo previously chaired the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and played a key role in pushing for this law in the House of Representatives.
The Magna Carta includes stringent measures against ambulance chasing, a persistent issue unique to the Philippines that has garnered criticism from global shipowners and impacted the employability of Filipino seafarers since the early 2000s.
The new law ensures that seafarers are provided with fair and humane employment conditions, protection from exploitative practices, and access to quality, affordable maritime education and training. It also establishes clear grievance mechanisms and a streamlined dispute resolution process to safeguard their financial and emotional well-being.
A cornerstone of the law is the establishment of seafarer hubs offering legal aid, skills training, and welfare programs, funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“This is not a distant dream—it is a vision we can realize with the Magna Carta as our compass,” the speaker added, urging stakeholders to unite in effectively implementing the law.
The Magna Carta also enhances inter-agency collaboration among MARINA, CHED, TESDA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and even the Department of Health to ensure compliance with international standards and to prepare future seafarers for an evolving industry.
