House OKs Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill on 3rd reading

MANILA – A measure instituting the Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers has hurdled third reading at the House of Representatives.

During Monday’s plenary session, a total of 217 lawmakers voted to approve House Bill 8057, which aims to improve Filipino seafarers’ working conditions, terms of employment, career prospects, and provide opportunities to harness their potentials to the fullest. No one voted against it or abstained from voting.

The bill covers Filipino seafarers engaged, employed, or working in any capacity onboard Philippine-registered ships operating domestically or internationally, and those on board foreign-registered ships.

The ships not covered include warships and naval auxiliaries, government ships not engaged in commercial operations, ships of traditional build, and fishing vessels.

The bill provides for the protection of the Filipino seafarers’ rights to just terms and conditions of work and safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards; self-organization and engage in collective bargaining; educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs; relevant information; free legal consultation; and have access to communication facilities.

It mandates the shipowner or manning agency to have the primary responsibility to immediately repatriate seafarers and to advance the repatriation and other attendant costs, including plane fare, deployment cost, without a prior determination of the cost of the termination of the seafarer’s employment.

Anti-harassment and anti-bullying measures to protect seafarers onboard ships shall be adopted and implemented.

It also seeks to provide financial and credit assistance to seafarers especially in times of pandemics and other emergencies and for their eventual reintegration into the Philippine economy and society.

The Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC) shall serve as a venue for consultation and discussions among government, management, and labor to address maritime labor and employment concerns.

The council shall also come up with policies, guidelines, and regulations for the Philippine maritime seafaring industry.