THE House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a measure that seeks to protect the rights and interests of Filipino seafarers, ensuring that they have “full protection” before, during,
and after employment, especially in the event of maritime accidents, epidemics or pandemics, or other natural or man-made crisis.
Voting 304 against 4, the chamber overwhelmingly voted to pass House Bill (HB) No. 7325, shortly titled “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” which also aims to develop a pool of competent and world-class seafarers “through a system of education, training, certification, and licensing.”
“Our seafarers are our unsung heroes. Almost 400,000 of them are on board merchant shipping vessels around the world at any given time. They are not only a source of income for the country through their
remittances but also a source of pride,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.
“Hinahangaan ang ating mga Pinoy seafarers sa buong mundo. Kaya bilang pagkilala sa kanilang kontribusyon sa ating bansa, nararapat lamang na sila ay bigyan natin ng proteksyon sa ilalim ng batas, upang sila ay hindi maabuso at malagay sa peligro,” he added.
Some of the authors of the bill are Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo, OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” P. Magsino, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, Camarines Sur Rep.
LRay Villafuerte, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon, and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman.
Provisions of HB 7325 cover Filipino seafarers “who are employed or engaged or work in any capacity on board foreign-registered ships and Philippine-registered ships operating internationally.”
According to the measure, Filipino seafarers have a right to:
* Safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards;
* Fair terms and conditions of employment;
* Decent working and living conditions on board a ship;
* Health protection, welfare measures, medical care;
* Self-organization;
* Information about seafarer’s family;
* Against discrimination;
* Educational advancement and training;
* Relevant information;
* Free legal representation;
* Appropriate grievance mechanism;
* Access to communication;
* Fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident;
* Fair medical assessment.
The Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration is also mandated to establish seafarer welfare facilities or centers in major crew-change ports, “specifically in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, and other areas.”
“A One-Stop-Shop for Seafarers, which shall have representatives from government agencies that process or issue licenses, permits, clearances, and other documents required by seafarers shall also be
established in these welfare centers for the convenience of the seafarers and to maximize the services being offered to them,” HB 7325 said.
