Seafarer groups have petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to declare the Filipino Magna Carta of Seafarers unconstitutional, citing violations of the Constitution. The Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines (CSP), International Seafarers Action Center (ISAC), and affected seafarers Joel Almelor, Mark Garcia, and Anecito Lague, who were victims of Houthi pirate attacks, are among the petitioners.
They seek a temporary restraining order against the Magna Carta and its implementing rules, particularly challenging Section 59, which requires seafarers to post a bond for monetary awards pending appeal. The petitioners argue that this provision, along with the Magna Carta and its related rules, violates Article VI, Sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Constitution.
Additionally, the petition requests the court to establish guidelines for presidential powers regarding public calamity declarations, as well as legislative processes involving Congress and the Bicameral Conference Committee. Respondents include Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Departments of Labor and Migrant Workers. The petition was filed by former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares, and GMA News Online has reached out for comments from the respondents.
