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President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. certifies Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers as urgent
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The proposed measure will specify seafarers’ rights, ensure their welfare, and provide other mandatory benefits if enacted into law
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The proposed law aims to align the training and accreditation of Filipino seafarers with international standards and conventions, addressing existing issues
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. certified Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers as urgent in a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on September 25.
Marcos cited the need for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2221, titled “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.”
If SBN 2221 becomes law, it will delineate seafarers’ rights, safeguard their welfare, and establish various mandatory benefits, such as the reintegration program, grievance system, and social welfare provisions.
The proposed Magna Carta aims to fill the void in domestic legislation regarding the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers. This deficiency has repercussions on their employability in the European market and the broader global maritime industry.
Marcos said the bill assures the international community the Philippines will meet its obligations to ensure Filipino seafarers’ training, facilities, and equipment align with international standards and relevant international conventions.
The House of Representatives approved the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on its final reading on March 6 of this year, receiving 304 affirmative votes (House Bill No. 7325).
The bill is pending in the Senate.
In 2021, the Philippines was reported as the top source of seafarers in the world by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
According to the Maritime Industry Authority, the country deployed over 400,000 Filipino seafarers overseas on average between 2016 and 2021.
The European Maritime Safety Agency had previously highlighted the country’s non-compliance with international maritime safety and marine education standards, particularly the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. This posed a risk to the jobs of thousands of seafarers.
Following his participation in the third Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council meeting at Malacañang last week, Zubiri disclosed SBN 2221 is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation the President has urged Congress to pass by year-end. Zubiri expressed hope the Senate will approve the bill on its third reading this week.
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