Philippines House Approves Seafarers’ Magna Carta

The House of Representatives and the Senate ratified the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, marking a significant milestone for the maritime industry. The bill aims to strengthen the rights, safety, and welfare of Filipino seafarers, benefiting shipowners, manning agencies, and the seafarers themselves. It includes provisions to enhance the maritime sector, such as shifting educational oversight to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and governing qualifications, certification, and conditions for employment of both international and domestic seafarers.

The bill covers Filipino seafarers working on ships in international waters, whether Philippine-registered or foreign-registered, as well as Filipino cadets in line with provisions on their education and training. It also outlines provisions on seafarers’ rights, women in the maritime industry, emergency rescue of domestic seafarers, manning levels, crew competency requirements, and incentives for the maritime industry. The bill was expected to be signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Feb. 26, but further review was needed.

While both versions of the bill specify the rights and obligations of seafarers and the roles of the government and private sector in protecting seafarers’ rights, the second version adopted by Congress lacks provisions to curb ambulance-chasing, which negatively impacts Filipino seafarers’ attractiveness. Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo highlighted the need for a separate legislation to address this issue by amending the ambulance-chasing law. Despite this, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers represents a significant step towards enhancing the competencies and welfare of Filipino seafarers and supporting the development of the domestic maritime industry.

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