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 ALMA (Association of Licensed Manning Agencies), Rep. Ron Salo recognized the crucial role maritime stakeholders played in advocating for the legislation. He stressed that the law is designed to protect the rights and welfare of seafarers while ensuring alignment 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 crew welfare ambulance chasing and noncompliance with international maritime standards—issues that have threatened the job security of Filipino seafarers.

Salo, who previously chaired the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, 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 receive fair and humane employment conditions, protection from exploitative practices, and 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—earning approval not only from government agencies and employers but also from the workers’ sector.

Atty. Jesus P. Sale Jr., vice president for internal affairs of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), affirmed the union’s support for the Magna Carta during the event, emphasizing how the IRR enhances grievance procedures for seafarers.

Also present was National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Commissioner Leonard Ignacio, who welcomed the implementation of the Magna Carta. He noted that the NLRC has been crafting its rules of procedure for the law, and all cases filed from Oct. 12, 2024, onward must comply with the new provisions.

"Because of that, I am certain that incidents involving ambulance chasers will decrease," Ignacio said.

Another cornerstone of the law is the establishment of seafarer hubs, which will provide legal aid, skills training, and welfare programs. These hubs will be 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," Salo added, urging stakeholders to unite in implementing the law effectively.

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

"If there is a disagreement about disability grading or fitness for work, the IRR ensures that a third-party doctor can provide a binding determination, resolving disputes efficiently and fairly," Salo said, adding that the matter has already been discussed at length with the DOH Secretary. He also acknowledged the active participation of the ALMA Maritime Group and its chair, Atty. Iris Baguilat.

As the Philippines positions itself as a leader in maritime innovation, speakers at the event called on seafarers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.