Industry reacts as Seafarers bill is stalled

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, a bill aimed at enhancing protections for seafaring workers. The bill, certified as urgent in September, includes provisions for the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, such as a reintegration program and social welfare benefits, as well as compliance with international seafarer training standards. However, the House of Representatives withdrew the bill on the day it was set to be signed, citing a need for further review by the President.

Some maritime stakeholders have raised concerns about certain provisions in the bill, such as the requirement for maritime schools to purchase a training ship, which they argue is unimplementable and could lead to increased tuition fees. Additionally, the removal of an escrow deposit provision has been flagged by the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies Maritime Group, as it could leave seafarers vulnerable to exploitation. Lawmakers have also noted potential issues with jurisdiction under the bill, which could diminish the sovereignty of the Department of Labor and Employment in resolving disputes involving seafarers.

The delay in signing the bill into law has been welcomed by Maritime Education and Training stakeholders, who see it as an opportunity to address concerns and advocate for changes to certain provisions. The hope is that the review process will lead to a bill that prioritizes the protection of seafarers while also addressing the various issues raised by stakeholders. The President has not set a timeline for the review, but there is optimism among stakeholders that their input will be considered in the final version of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

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