Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday vowed to push the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill into law during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he acknowledged their huge contribution to the economy.
“One of the significant milestones that we intend to achieve in President Marcos’ tenure is the enactment of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” Romualdez said in his message as the guest of honor
at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Expo at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.
Filipino seafarers, he said, can depend on the full support of Congress to the President’s initiative behind the bill “meant to safeguard their rights, welfare, and well-being” and promote as well the country’s entire maritime sector.
The Magna Carta of Seafarers or House Bill 7325 is one of the priority legislations of the Marcos administration that the House approved before the recent adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress. It is now awaiting the action of the Senate.
“Under President Marcos’ leadership, we are committed to fostering an enabling environment that promotes the welfare of seafarers, supports the growth of the maritime industry, and advances sustainable practices,” Romualdez said
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza also graced the expo organized by ITF, recognized as the voice of the world’s two million seafarers.
Romualdez noted that Filipino seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry, providing an immense contribution to the country’s economy.
In 2022, an estimated 489,852 Filipino seafarers were deployed, making up 25 percent of the world’s seafarers. In 2019, Filipino seafarers remitted US$6.5 billion (P362 billion) to the Philippines, or roughly 1.7 percent of the country’s GDP that year.
The Speaker said the Magna Carta is a comprehensive and progressive law that addresses the various challenges faced by Filipino seafarers throughout their careers.
“It ensures fair and just working conditions, provides for reasonable compensation, guarantees access to quality healthcare and education, and promotes the welfare of seafarers and their families. This legislation stands as a testament to President Marcos’ dedication to creating a conducive environment for seafarers to thrive,” he said.
Romualdez stressed that the measure emphasizes the importance of continuous training and skills development for our seafarers, recognizing the dynamic nature of the maritime industry and the need for seafarers to adapt to evolving technologies and best practices.
“By empowering seafarers with the necessary knowledge and skills, we not only enhance their professional capabilities but also ensure the sustained growth and competitiveness of our maritime sector,” he said.
Last March, the European Commission (EC) agreed to drop the impending ban that would have affected some 50,000 Filipino mariners amid the European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) concerns about the quality of training of Pinoy seafarers.
The government responded with a series of actions including the personal intervention of President Marcos, who met with EC officials and assured them the Philippines is committed to addressing the issues and complying with European regulations.
“To the seafarers present here today and those serving at sea, I offer my heartfelt appreciation for your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment,” Romualdez said.
“Let us continue working hand in hand, with President Marcos’ guidance, to propel the maritime industry forward, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our seafarers,” he added.
