Marcos to ratify the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, along with two other landmark laws, on Monday. The Magna Carta aims to improve the welfare of Filipino seamen and enhance their competitiveness globally by addressing deficiencies in domestic laws related to their training and accreditation. It also ensures that the Philippines complies with international standards for seafarers’ training and equipment, as set by relevant conventions.

The European Union had previously flagged the Philippines for not meeting international standards for maritime workers, threatening to withdraw recognition of Filipino seafarers’ certificates. However, after the government committed to improving its maritime programs, the European Commission decided to continue recognizing these certificates. Filipino mariners make up over 25% of the 1.5 million seamen worldwide, the largest number from any country. The other laws to be signed include the Expanded Centenarians Act, providing increased benefits for senior citizens, and the Tatak Pinoy Act, prioritizing local products to enhance global competitiveness.

The Expanded Centenarians Act, sponsored by Senator Imee Marcos, offers financial aid to Filipino senior citizens upon reaching certain ages. The Tatak Pinoy Act aims to support local enterprises and ensure inclusive economic growth by creating a council to prioritize local products. These laws reflect the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Filipino seafarers, senior citizens, and local businesses, in line with President Marcos’ priorities outlined in his second State of the Nation Address.

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