SAFETY FIRST The Department of Migrant Workers said the ban would protect Filipino seafarers from possible attacks. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the Magna Carta of Seafarers, aiming to protect the rights of domestic and overseas Filipinos.
Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12021 or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers” during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace.
The law outlines the rights of seafarers, including the right to just terms and conditions of work; the right to self-organization and to collective bargaining; the right to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs; the right to information; the right to information of a seafarer’s family or next of kin; and the right against discrimination.
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It also details seafarers’ right to safe passage and safe travel, consultation, free legal representation, immediate medical attention, access to communication, record of employment or certificate of employment, and fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident.
Additionally, it requires a standard employment contract between the shipowner and an overseas seafarer in writing, including information on the contract duration, maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest, benefits, compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death, and separation and retirement pay.
READ: Marcos signs seafarers’ magna carta bill today
In a separate statement, Senate President Francis Escudero said the law is expected to benefit more than half a million Filipino seafarers.