Senator Raffy Tulfo yesterday threatened to expose “forces” attempting to block the passage into law of a measure seeking to secure the rights of seafarers to humane and just working conditions this 19th Congress.
Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, exposed supposed moves by several groups to strongly block the passage of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill at the Senate in the previous Congress.
According to Tulfo, he learned this measure wasn’t passed in the previous Congress due to “strong lobbying.”
Tulfo asserted he won’t allow these lobbyists under his watch as this would compromise the welfare of our seafarers.
Tulfo presided over the hybrid hearing on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act and the Pilipinong Marino Act last Sept. 7, where he convened private sectors, seafarer groups, maritime training providers, and different government agencies mandated to protect OFWs and seafarers.
In the 18th Congress, it can be noted that the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was left pending for Second Reading at the Senate while the bill’s counterpart measure has already hurdled third reading at the House of Representatives.
In stressing the need for a Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, Tulfo said seafarers do not have enough protection from the law as they are exposed to harsh weather conditions with the risk of injury or even death while they are at sea, sailing.
By pushing for the passage of the said measure, Tulfo said he is fulfilling his promise to the seafarers that he will be their defender at the Senate,
Tulfo filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 216 instituting the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers as part of his 10 priority bills this 18th Congress.
