The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) yesterday signed and presented to President Marcos Jr. the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers that codifies the seafarer’s rights based on international laws, standards and practices, and conventions and protected the rights of women in the maritime industry, among others.
The President, during the signing of the IRR by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan in Malacanang, said the signing was made three months after he signed the Magna Carta into law which “reinforces commitment to ensuring the welfare of our seafarers.”
“I am as happy as anyone that we have the IRR. We can now implement all the provisions in the Magna Carta for our seafarers. It is a very important day,” Marcos said.
He said the signed IRR is just a step towards the establishment of a stable and bright future for the Filipino seafarers and their family.
“As we formally implement this landmark law, I urge all of us—public servants, industry leaders, and maritime advocates—to embrace our roles with determination,” he said.
The President also urged the DMW, Marina, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other concerned agencies to ensure the immediate issuance of all remaining guidelines relative to the implementation of the Magna Carta and its IRR.
Marcos also directed the concerned agencies to monitor and ensure the strict compliance by all stakeholders; and assist our seafarers to maximize the benefits that it provides.
In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development named the Philippines as among the top source of seafarers in the world.
The country deploys more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers overseas, on average, from 2016 to 2021, according to the Marina.
The President said among the salient features of the IRR is the establishment of One-Stop Shop Centers for seafarers which would help simplify processes and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
The IRR also emphasizes gender equality in the maritime sector by requiring companies to implement policies that promote women’s participation, access to education, and career opportunities. It guarantees women seafarers protection from gender-based discrimination, setting a new standard for inclusive practices in the industry.
The IRR also codified the essential rights of Filipino seafarers which include the right to safe passage, protection against harassment and discrimination, fair medical assessments, and the right to free legal representation. The IRR ensures that seafarers are informed, protected, and treated fairly throughout their contract.
It also assured the practice of fair employment standards by setting clear, transparent employment standards that includes guidelines for working hours, rest periods, job descriptions, and compensation; guaranteed fair wages for seafarers, ensuring timely payment of salaries, sick leave, vacation leave, and death benefits; and entitled membership to social protection programs such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Social Security System (SSS) and ensuring that seafarers and their families are supported by crucial safety nets.
It also ensures the seafarers access to health insurance, housing programs, and retirement benefits, training and education benefits; their protection against exploitation and abuse, unfair treatment, bullying and harassment; and repatriation and welfare in the event of injury, illness, health pandemic and/or completion of their contract.
It likewise provides legal safeguards against exploitation by unscrupulous agencies or employers as well as addresses issues such as illegal recruitment, trafficking, and violence; requires shipowners and manning agencies to establish helplines and grievance mechanisms for all victims of harassment and bullying; and establishes systems for dispute resolution that would enable seafarers to seek legal assistance in cases of conflict with employers, recruitment agencies, or other entities.
