THE House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, chaired by Rep. Ron Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN), approved on Thursday the unnumbered substitute bill to several House Bills (HBs) instituting a Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers to protect the rights and promote the welfare of seafarers, as well as revitalize the industry.
Rep. Salo assured stakeholders that the panel considered their concerns in drafting the consolidated bill. He said that lawmakers ensured the measure is “holistic, effective, and most responsive to the needs of Filipino seafarers. Among its key provisions is the right of seafarers to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs.”
The proposed Magna Carta also stipulates the duties and responsibilities of seafarers, as well as their other rights and privileges.
Several government agencies expressed their support for the bill’s passage, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) led by Administrator Arnel Ignacio.
Meanwhile, committee members approved a motion to include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the crafting of the implementing rules and regulations.
Rep. Salo is hopeful that the bill would be up for plenary deliberations by next week.
