Seafarers’ magna carta seen to become law

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sonny Angara is optimistic the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers will finally become law after over a decade of languishing in the legislative mill.

As author of Senate Bill 135, which has been consolidated along with similar measures into Senate Bill 2369, he said this would ensure the rights of Filipino seafarers will be upheld and they will be given protection under existing laws.

“This proposal has been tabled several times. The contribution of seafarers to our country is very important so we should further extend their rights and intensify the protections given to them under the law,” Angara said.

The bill, which is now up for debates in plenary, lists the various rights of Filipino seafarers, which include the right to just terms and conditions of work; right to self-organization, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in democratic exercises; right to educational advancement and training at a reasonable cost; right against discrimination and to be protected against all forms of harassment and bullying, among others.

Filipino seafarers will also be provided with various perks and minimum standards of employment, including compulsory benefits like decent accommodation, sanitation, recreation and food facilities.

“It is a very large and very important sector in our country so it is only right that they be given the appropriate benefits for their families as well,” Angara said.