(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Seafarers in Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.
The IRR was crafted by the Department of Migrant Workers, the Maritime Industry Authority, and other concerned government agencies.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. last September, signed into law Republic Act No. 12021 or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.”
It 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.
The law 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.