Magna Carta for Pinoy seafarers soon a law

MANILA, Philippines — The proposed measure that aims to guarantee protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers is set to become a law after over a decade, Senate President Francis Escudero said.

Senate Bill No. 2221 and House Bill No. 7325 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is scheduled to be signed by President Marcos today.

“About half a million Filipino sailors will benefit from this law,” Escudero said.

“This law ensures that no Filipino seafarer will be left behind when something happens to them while they are performing their duties, whether legal or medical,” he said.

He added that to protect Filipino seafarers from abuses, the law spells out the rights of seafarers including the right to just terms and conditions of work, right to self-organization and to collective bargaining, right to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs, right to information, right to information of a seafarer’s family or next of kin, and the right against discrimination.

He noted that the measures also provide them with the right to safe passage and safe travel, as well as right to free legal representation, immediate medical attention, access to communication, record of employment or certificate of employment, and fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident.