Seafarers press for own Magna Carta

Seafarers press for own Magna Carta
Gerard Naval - September 30, 2022 https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/seafarers-press-for-own-magna-carta/

WITH more Filipinos expected to explore sea-based jobs, the Seafarers Empowerment Advocates Network (SEANetwork) is calling on lawmakers to pass a Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers.

In a statement for the World Maritime Day 2022, the group said it is imperative for lawmakers to pass a law that will help ensure and protect the rights of all sea-based workers.

“The Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers is a positive measure. Measures such as this that will protect and secure migrant Filipinos’ rights are most needed and welcome,” the group said.

“We are calling on the country’s legislators to pass a Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers that will advance seafarer’s rights,” it added.

The group said this would be a timely measure since the current economic crisis has seen the peso plummeting to historical lows, unemployment has worsened, and the Marcos administration is keen on promoting labor export.