Filipino Seafarers ‘not only beneficiaries, but also stewards’ of the new Magna Carta law

MANILA – The passage of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, along with its recently-signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), marks a major milestone in addressing long-standing issues in the maritime industry.

During a forum on the ‘Magna Carta Law and IRR’ organized by the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) Maritime Group, Congressman Ron Salo recognized the crucial role maritime stakeholders played in advocating for the legislation. He stressed that the law was designed to protect the rights and welfare of seafarers while aligning with international standards such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

"This law was enacted to address decades of challenges faced by the men and women who risk their lives at sea to keep global trade moving," Salo said. He highlighted concerns such as ambulance chasing and the failure to meet international maritime standards—issues that have threatened the job security of Filipino seafarers.

Salo, often referred to as the Father of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, previously chaired the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and was instrumental in pushing for the law in the House of Representatives.

The Magna Carta includes strict measures against ambulance chasing, a long-standing issue unique to the Philippines that has drawn criticism from global shipowners and impacted the employability of Filipino seafarers since the early 2000s.

The new law ensures that seafarers are given fair and humane employment conditions, protects them from exploitative practices, and guarantees access to quality, affordable maritime education and training. It also establishes clear grievance mechanisms and a streamlined dispute resolution process to safeguard their financial and emotional well-being.

The establishment of seafarer hubs offering legal aid, skills training, and welfare programs is another cornerstone of the law, funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

“This is not a distant dream—it is a vision we can realize with the Magna Carta as our compass,” the speaker added, urging stakeholders to unite in implementing the law effectively.

The Magna Carta also strengthens inter-agency collaboration among MARINA, CHED, TESDA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and even the Department of Health to ensure compliance with international standards and to equip future seafarers for an evolving industry.

“If there's a disagreement about the disability grading or fitness for work, the [implementing rules and regulations] ensures that the third-party doctor can provide a binding determination resolving disputes efficiently and fairly. And I am very pleased to inform you that we have discussed this lengthily already with the Secretary of the Department of Health,” noting the active participation of the ALMA Maritime Group and its chair Atty. Iris Baguilat.

As the nation positions itself as a leader in maritime innovation, the speaker called on seafarers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, stating, Together, we will not just weather the storms; we will sail towards a brighter horizon.”