ICS and IMEC Call for Reinstatement of Anti-Ambulance Chasing Provision in Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Law

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) have urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reinstate Section 59 on ambulance chasing in the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Law. This section aims to prevent lawyers from persuading injured seafarers to seek monetary damages from their employers. The ICS and IMEC emphasized the importance of including this provision before the law is signed, stating that the “stakes are simply too high” when it comes to ambulance chasing.

According to the ICS and IMEC, the removal of Section 59 earlier in the year has put the Philippines at risk of losing its position as the world’s leading labor supply country. They highlighted the detrimental effects of ambulance chasing, citing a quantifiable damage of $52.6 million as of September 2023. The organizations expressed concern that genuine seafarers in need of disability benefits are not receiving them due to ambulance chasers retaining a significant portion of the funds.

Despite calls for a resolution on ambulance chasing, Section 59 was deleted from Senate Bill 2221 and House Bill 7325 during a bilateral conference committee hearing in May. In response to this issue, President Marcos established an International Advisory Committee on Global Maritime Affairs in January 2023 to address major maritime issues affecting Filipino seafarers. The ICS and IMEC continue to advocate for the reinstatement of Section 59 to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

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