Protecting Filipino seafarers, among the best in the world

Protecting Filipino seafarers, among the best in the world
The Editorial Board October 1, 2024 https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/10/01/opinion/editorial/protecting-fili...

A WEEK ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which is designed to protect the rights of the country's ships' crew and enshrines the provisions of the Maritime Labor Convention in our laws.

Last year, the President certified the legislation as urgent, setting in motion its swift passage into law. Speaking after signing the bill, President Marcos said that the law would uphold the rights of the country's seafarers globally.

"We also extend our gratitude to all stakeholders who have shared 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, both 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, among others," he said.

"Clear protocols for grievances and disputes are also enforced to help resolve their issues and concerns. This Magna Carta will also strengthen the role of our maritime institutions and stakeholders by setting the standards for the quality of accommodation, food, medical care and other services that are provided for seafarers," he added.

Among those mandated by Republic Act 12021 include the seafarers' right to just terms and conditions of work, right to self-organization and to collective bargaining, right to educational advancement and training at reasonable cost, right to information, right to information of a seafarer's family or next of kin and right against discrimination.

However, Marcos said he was looking beyond mere compliance with the legislation.

"Fair wages are not just about numbers on a paycheck. It's about the dignity of being compensated fairly for one's hard work and dedication. Safe working conditions are not just about compliance. They are about ensuring that every overseas seafarer who sets sail will come home safely."

He said skills development was not just a provision in the law. "It is about upgrading their qualifications to promote career growth. It's about providing them with the tools, training and support to become more competitive.

"When we speak of protection, we speak of shielding our seafarers, not only from the perils of the sea, but from the exploitation and discrimination that have too often been tolerated.

"Specifically, the Magna Carta will strengthen our legal framework to ensure that Filipino seafarers receive adequate training, secure contracts, just wages and fair benefits. This will seamlessly align with the standards for training certification and the watchkeeping, with the Standards on Training and Certification, as well as the accepted global maritime labor laws."

The Philippines has had long-standing problems regarding compliance with the Standards on Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, particularly in relation to seafarers serving on European Union-flagged vessels.

He also highlighted the dangers seafarers faced in the Red Sea due to the Houthi attacks in Yemen.

"Behind every voyage lies a reality we as a nation have too often overlooked ...the weight of isolation of unpredictable conditions count as threats to their safety and their security, especially this past year, with what is happening around the world.

"In the Red Sea, cargo ships and tankers traveling along that route have been attacked with missiles and with gunboats. Last month, it happened once again with a Greek oil tanker. And these are not just occupational hazards, they are also actual human experiences. So, today's signing of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers is our collective acknowledgment of these sacrifices," said the President.

The Magna Carta also protects women sailors against discrimination. Aside from continuing to support their families, Filipino mariners account for a large part of foreign exchange remittances to the country.

The law also directs the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to establish seafarer welfare facilities or centers in major crew-change ports, specifically in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City, among others. The center will offer services that promote the welfare of and cater to the recreational, cultural, religious, communication and legal needs of seafarers.

These centers will have one-stop shops with representatives from government agencies that will issue licenses, permits, clearances and other documents needed by seafarers.

Finally, the government is addressing the issues that are being faced by the geese that lay the golden eggs for our economy — our seafarers, who are among the best in the world.