Marcos signs Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

Republic Act 12021 enumerates the rights and duties of seafarers and the obligations of maritime agencies for overseas workers.

Employment terms, accommodation, medical treatment, termination procedures, dispute settlement, repatriation and reintegration of overseas seafarers and emergency rescue of domestic seafarers are also covered by the measure.

Marcos cited threats to the safety of maritime workers in the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels are carrying out drone and missile attacks amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

RA 12021 establishes a green lane for seafarers and promotes seafarer education and maritime industry incentives.

Mechanisms for a fair and speedy decision on seafarers’ salaries, wages, statutory benefits and death and disability claims are also outlined in RA 12021. If a seafarer wins the appeal, the losing party is required to immediately reimburse the seafarer’s bond.

Marcos was supposed to sign RA 12021 last February, but the measure’s enactment was deferred as it was placed under review.

About a quarter of the world’s 1.9 million seafarers are Filipinos.

The biggest suppliers of officers and skilled seafarers working on merchant ships are the Philippines, Russia, Indonesia, China and India, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

Historic

Members of the House of Representatives yesterday commended President Marcos’ signing of RA 12021.

“This historic piece of legislation will ensure the protection and continuous employment of our Filipino sailors, most of whom are employed by foreign shipping companies. They will be able to continue to support their families back home,” said Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Reps. Marissa Magsino and Luis Raymund Villafuerte also lauded the law’s passage, saying it will provide “full protection” to Filipino seafarers in foreign-flagged ships or Philippine-registered vessels operating internationally.

Rep. Jude Acide is hoping that Filipino sailors will not face the same blacklisting threats made in the past by some shipping companies in Europe.

RA 12021 addresses foreign employers’ concerns about the education, training and competency of Filipino seafarers, he said. — Delon Porcalla, Mayen Jaymalin