Enforce Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers IRR

September 23 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers at the Malacañan Palace on September 23, 2024. Also also known as Republic Act (RA) No. 12021 or ‘An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,’ the Law aims to protect the rights and overall welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers and is expected to benefit more than half a million Filipino seafarers, recognizing their vital role in developing the Philippines as a maritime country.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called for the intensive implementation of the rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to provide robust and reliable support for maritime workers.

Speaking at the ceremonial signing of the IRR in Malacañang, the president ordered the prompt issuance of the remaining guidelines related to the implementation of the law.

“To the DOTr [Department of Transportation], Marina [Maritime Industry Authority], DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment], DMW [Department of Migrant Workers], and other concerned agencies, please ensure the immediate issuance of all remaining guidelines relative to the implementation of this IRR and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” Marcos said in his speech.

READ: Magna Carta of Seafarers IRR signed

He also tasked the agencies with monitoring strict compliance by all stakeholders and helping seafarers maximize the benefits provided by the law.

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“Let us ensure that every provision of this law and its IRR are not just words that appear on paper but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on,” he added.

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Among the provisions of the IRR are employment standards, social protection, health and safety, skills training, and family support to improve quality of life.

Marcos Jr., last September, signed into law Republic Act No. 12021, or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.”

It outlines the rights of seafarers, including the right to just terms and conditions of work; the right to self-organization and to collective bargaining; the right to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs; the right to information; the right to information of a seafarer’s family or next of kin; and the right against discrimination.

The law also details seafarers’ rights to safe passage and safe travel, consultation, free legal representation, immediate medical attention, access to communication, a record of employment or certificate of employment, and fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident.