Marcos set to sign landmark law protecting rights of 500,000 Filipino seafarers

President Marcos is set to sign a bill on Monday23 Sep that will protect the rights and welfare of about 500,000 Filipino seafarers, Senate President Francis Escudero said.

 “This law ensures that no Filipino seafarer is neglected when something happens to them while they perform their duty, legally or medically wise,” he said, referring to Senate Bill No. 2221 and House Bill No. 7325, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Escudero, in a statement, stressed the Filipino seafarers are indispensable part of the operations of the international maritime industry, as they represent a quarter of all the officers and crew on board the world’s ships.

The law spells out the rights of seafarers that include 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; the right to information of a seafarer’s family or next of kin; and the right against discrimination.

It also provides them the right to safe passage and safe travel, consultation, free legal representation, immediate medical attention, access to communication, record of employment or certificate of employment, fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident. The law also enumerates the duties of a seafarer, such as complying with and observing the terms and conditions of the employment contract and being diligent in the performance of duties relating to the ship.

“Just like an ordinary employee in a company, it is only proper that the rights of a seafarer are clearly and strictly implemented, be it a captain or a deck hand. After all, the problems encountered by our seafarers are more serious as their lives are often times at risk. That is why this law is very important to ensure that they have enough protection,” Escudero said.