Delay in Signing Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Affects Industry

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was expected to be signed into law by the President on 26 February this year. However, it was pulled at the last moment despite having been classified as urgent, reports Seatrade Maritime News.

Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

Since the delay in signing the bill on 26 February, the Bill has been redrafted on multiple occasions, with controversies around several provisions, such as the inclusion of maritime training and the provision of payment of bonds by Filipino seafarers before monies in disabilities cases are paid out.

A bicameral conference committee report on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was approved by Congress on a second occasion on 29 July and a third on 31 July.

After signing the bill into law on Monday morning, President Marcos Jr said, “This administration also extends its gratitude to all stakeholders who share their insights to make this law even more comprehensive. Our different perspectives helped us produce this Magna Carta that encompasses our shared goal to make Filipino seafarers, the industry, and the country prosper in domestic and international waters.

“At its core, this new law aims to uphold the fundamental rights of our overseas seafarers, their rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, and skills and competency development amongst others,” he stated.

The Magna Carta enshrines into law the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC2006) for the world’s largest provider of crew to the international shipping industry.

The Philippines President is looking beyond just compliance with the Bill. 

The Philippines has had long running issues over compliance with STCW (Standards on Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) particularly in relation to seafarers serving on EU-flagged vessels.

President Marcos Jr also highlighted the dangers the country’s seafarers face currently with attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthi in Yemen.