#83 OFW Party List Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino on Thursday (April 24) emphasized the need for fair and proper enforcement of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021), as the Senate held a consultative hearing on its implementation, particularly on the issue of mandatory remittances.
Magsino, one of the principal authors, said the measure provides institutional safeguards for more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers, whose contributions to the economy remain vital. “This law was passed to protect the welfare of our seafarers, not just on paper but in actual practice. For the OFW Party List, that intent has always been — and will always be — to protect and uplift the lives of our seafarers, who are the backbone of the global maritime industry,” she said.
The hearing, led by the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, tackled concerns about manning agencies’ compliance with remittance requirements. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Bernard Olalia warned that agencies failing to remit seafarers’ allotments at the correct bank rates face escalating penalties: six months suspension for the first offense, one year for the second, two years for the third, and license cancellation for the fourth.
Magsino supported the enforcement of these penalties and said she would continue working with both chambers of Congress to ensure that abusive practices in recruitment and deployment are addressed. “We cannot allow agencies to shortchange our seafarers or their families. Accountability is non-negotiable,” she said.
Meanwhile, Senate Committee Chair Raffy Tulfo clarified during the hearing that the law does not reduce seafarers’ salaries, countering misinformation circulating online. He said some confusion may have arisen from provisions on allotments, which pertain to the mandatory remittance portion of a seafarer’s income sent to their families.
Some seafarers, led by Capt. Edgardo Flores, voiced concern about the current 80% remittance requirement. “Why is the Senate focusing on the 80%? What about the 20% left for the seafarers? That’s what we use to survive on the ship,” Flores said.
He added that such limits diminish seafarers’ ability to meet their needs and enjoy basic comforts while at sea. Flores also questioned why active seafarers were not invited as resource persons during the hearing. “Why not allow those of us who are directly affected to speak with Cong. [Ron] Salo and Sen. Tulfo?”
Magsino echoed the need to directly dialogue with the affected seafarers as the law continues to be implemented.
“As part of our oversight function, we will assess the actual implementation of law, especially the allotment provision, including any unintended consequences that may have arisen. Should the review establish a need to amend the law, we will not hesitate to act. It is within the power and responsibility of Congress to amend legislation to ensure it serves its intended purpose effectively,” said Magsino.
