A Legacy for Filipino Seafarers

A Legacy for Filipino Seafarers
February 21, 2025 https://pia.gov.ph/a-legacy-for-filipino-seafarers/

Under the chandeliers of Malacañang Palace, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stood as a defining moment in his administration unfolded—the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

With this law now in effect, more than a million Filipino maritime workers—vital to global trade yet among the most vulnerable in the Philippine labor force—have gained stronger protection.

“This is for our seafarers, for whom we have done all of this,” President Marcos Jr. said, standing alongside Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan, who signed the IRR.

Formally known as Republic Act No. 12021, the Magna Carta was enacted in September 2024. Three months later, its IRR was signed, detailing key provisions such as the establishment of One-Stop Shop Centers for Seafarers and guarantees of fair medical treatment and free legal representation.

“For women in the maritime industry, this IRR ensures protection and recognition,” Marcos Jr. said. “It’s a step toward a more progressive and equitable industry.”

Beyond safeguarding seafarers’ rights, the President emphasized that the law will strengthen the country’s maritime workforce by mandating advanced training and state-of-the-art facilities in maritime education. This will ensure that Filipino seafarers remain at the forefront of the global industry.

“Beyond compliance with international standards, these efforts secure the future of our seafarers,” Marcos Jr. added.

He ordered government agencies—including the Department of Transportation, MARINA, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the DMW—to implement the IRR without delay. He also called on industry stakeholders to fully comply, turning the law’s provisions into real protection.

Strengthening the Future of Filipino Seafarers

For decades, Filipino seafarers have kept global trade moving, manning oil tankers, cargo ships, and luxury liners. They make up nearly a quarter of the world’s maritime workforce and sent home $6.7 billion in remittances in 2022 alone.

Yet despite their contributions, many face contract disputes, harsh working conditions, and life-threatening risks at sea.

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the European Union’s regulatory body, has repeatedly flagged deficiencies in the Philippines’ maritime training standards. At one point, the EU even considered revoking recognition of Filipino seafarer certifications—a move that could have put over 50,000 jobs at risk.

With the Magna Carta in place, the government is taking decisive steps to address these gaps.

A Comprehensive Set of Rights and Benefits

The Magna Carta guarantees:

Fair and Timely Compensation – Employers must provide transparent salary structures, on-time payments, and benefits such as sick leave and death compensation.
Mandatory Social Protections – Seafarers must be enrolled in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Social Security System (SSS), securing financial safety nets for themselves and their families.
Gender Equality – The law mandates equal opportunities for women, including leadership roles and scholarships.
Legal Assistance – Seafarers entangled in contract disputes or legal cases abroad will have access to free government-provided legal representation.
Stronger Safety Regulations – Stricter medical and safety standards will be enforced to improve working conditions aboard ships.

Beyond these protections, the government is strengthening labor diplomacy, negotiating better employment agreements with foreign shipping firms. Efforts to curb illegal recruitment and human trafficking are also intensifying, with recruitment agencies facing stricter oversight.

“These measures don’t just protect our seafarers,” Cacdac said. “They also strengthen the Philippines’ reputation as a premier source of world-class maritime professionals.”

To enhance training, the DMW has launched the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), which offers programs aligned with international standards, including those set by EU member states.

The Perils of Life at Sea

The law’s passage comes amid heightened awareness of the dangers Filipino seafarers face.

In January, 17 Filipino crew members of the M/V Galaxy Leader returned home after 428 days in captivity. Houthi rebels in Yemen had taken them hostage, their fate uncertain until diplomatic efforts by Oman secured their release.

“Tulungan natin silang makabangon muli,” President Marcos Jr. told Cacdac after their meeting. The government has since provided financial aid and employment assistance.

Not all cases end with homecomings. In December, 28-year-old Filipino seafarer Ralph Bobiles disappeared while serving aboard the MV Prestige Ace, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel traveling from Mexico to the United States.

His disappearance was never reported to U.S. authorities when the ship docked in Baltimore—an omission that prompted swift action from Philippine officials. The DMW has since suspended the manning agency’s license and launched an investigation.

“When a seafarer goes missing, the family must be given full transparency,” Cacdac said, citing a provision in the Magna Carta.

A Lasting Legacy on the Global Stage

The Philippines’ efforts to strengthen maritime policies have not gone unnoticed.

In May 2024, the country was reaffirmed on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) White List, a designation given to nations that uphold high standards in maritime education and certification.

A €4-million partnership with the European Union has been secured to modernize training programs and ensure compliance with global safety and competency standards.

As the shipping industry shifts toward automation and sustainability, the government is preparing Filipino seafarers for the future. Training now includes the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Low-Flashpoint Fuels, ensuring Filipino workers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.

For many, the Magna Carta is more than just a law—it is also a recognition of their sacrifices, a guarantee of their rights, and a promise of a more secure future.

“We are not just workers of the sea,” said Joseph Aguilar, a veteran seafarer with 25 years of experience. “We are a nation’s pride. And now, we finally have a law that sees us that way.”

With this landmark legislation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has cemented his legacy as a champion of Filipino seafarers. His administration has not only safeguarded their rights but also positioned them as indispensable players in the global maritime industry.

As the demand for skilled maritime workers continues to grow, one thing is clear: the Philippines is making a bold statement that its seafarers are not just laborers navigating the world’s oceans—they are national assets, deserving of dignity, protection, and the full backing of the law. #