On Thursday, Senator Loren Legarda expressed her optimism about improved working conditions for Filipino seafarers following the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Seafarers by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Legarda, who co-authored and co-sponsored the landmark legislation, praised the IRR signing as a pivotal step in ensuring the protection and welfare of the country’s maritime workforce.
“With the IRR signed, I believe this is a huge win and boost for both foreign and domestic seafarers, as we seek decent and humane working conditions for our skilled countrymen,” said Legarda in a statement.
The Magna Carta of Seafarers, signed into law in September 2024, enshrines crucial rights and protections for approximately 500,000 Filipino seafarers worldwide. It includes provisions for labor organization formation, collective bargaining, and career advancement opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for the Philippines’ maritime workers.
Additionally, the law safeguards seafarers against harassment, discrimination, and provides the right to inform their next of kin, along with guarantees for safe passage and travel.
Legarda emphasized the importance of aligning the country’s maritime policies with international conventions, ensuring Filipino seafarers maintain their global competitiveness in the maritime industry.
“Our seafarers are vital to sustaining the global supply chain, and we must ensure they work under conditions that uphold their dignity and rights,” she stated.
The senator acknowledged the hardships faced by seafarers, especially their extended separation from their families, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving their lives.
“This Magna Carta is our way of showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication. It ensures that every seafarer knows their government stands behind them and is committed to enhancing their lives,” Legarda added.
Stronger Legal Protection For Filipino Seafarers
Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. highlighted the IRR’s role in providing enhanced legal protection, better training, and increased benefits for Filipino mariners. Villafuerte stressed that the swift release of the IRR ensures full protection for Filipino seafarers aboard both foreign-flagged ships and Philippine-registered vessels operating overseas.
The IRR will also help strengthen the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers by improving the country’s maritime education, training, certification, and licensing system, solidifying the Philippines’ status as the world’s leading supplier of sailors.
“This Magna Carta ensures greater legal and labor protection for our maritime professionals, whether on land or at sea, and better support for their families, especially in crisis periods,” Villafuerte said.
One key provision is the guarantee of free legal assistance for seafarers facing disputes or violations of their contracts. Under Rule 3 of the IRR, agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) will offer legal aid at no cost to seafarers in need.
Furthermore, the IRR mandates that shipowners and manning agencies notify the DMW of cases involving Filipino seafarers abroad to ensure prompt government support.
In line with the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, the IRR includes measures to combat harassment and bullying on vessels, with shipowners required to establish policies to maintain a safe working environment and provide helplines and grievance mechanisms for victims.
“It is high time for the speedy implementation of this Magna Carta so we can best adhere to internationally recognized instruments such as those from the ILO and IMO (International Maritime Organization),” Villafuerte concluded. (PNA)