Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers enshrined into law

President Ferdinand Marcos has signed into law the long awaited Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, a new law designed to protect the rights and overall welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers, as well as promote their full employment. 

The new law aims to create a comprehensive framework for preserving and improving the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers in local and international shipping. It also seeks to improve seafarers’ education, training, and cadetship programs to improve mariners’ skills.

“It is our way of telling our seafarers, we see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you,” Marcos said.

The new law is designed to harmonise policies among agencies in manila such as the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Migrant Workers.

MARINA will be mandated to oversee maritime education with powers to accredit, regulate, and monitor education and training institutions offering maritime degree programs and technical courses.

The law also establishes mechanisms, rules, and procedures to ensure the fair, speedy, equitable, and just disposition and execution of decisions granting seafarers’ salaries, wages, statutory benefits, and death and disability claims.

“With the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers now in place, our seafarers can look forward to greater protection of their rights and welfare, ensuring that their contributions are duly recognized and respected,” said Marissa Magsino, a member of the House of Representatives.

source : splash247