PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. SIGNED INTO LAW THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS

The long-awaited Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers has officially been signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., marking a monumental victory for the more than 600,000 Filipino seafarers serving both locally and internationally. 

KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo, a key proponent of the bill and a champion of the rights of seafarers, hailed this moment as a transformative step towards ensuring the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers are protected and upheld.

"The signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is not just a win for our maritime workforce—it is a victory for the entire maritime industry. The law provides the legal foundation to safeguard the rights, enhance working conditions, and secure the futures of our seafarers," said Rep. Salo. "Filipino seafarers are the lifeblood of global shipping, and they deserve nothing less than robust legal protection as they navigate the seas."

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers establishes comprehensive protection for seafarers both at sea and onshore, ensuring they receive fair compensation, adequate training, and access to social and welfare benefits. Key provisions of the law include mandatory shipboard training, fair treatment in the event of illness or injury, and strict regulations to prevent ambulance-chasing among others. 

Rep. Salo also highlighted the law's provision for improving maritime education by addressing the long-standing issue of insufficient training vessels for maritime cadets. "This Magna Carta ensures that future generations of Filipino seafarers will have the practical training they need to excel in the industry. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing our seafarers to remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing maritime landscape."

Moreover, as the maritime industry faces the twin challenges of digitalization and decarbonization, Rep. Salo emphasized that the Magna Carta equips seafarers with the tools to meet these demands. "This law empowers our seafarers to thrive in a sector that is rapidly embracing digital innovations and transitioning to sustainable practices. With the Magna Carta in place, we are paving the way for a more resilient, future-ready maritime industry,” Rep. Salo stated.

“I thank President Marcos Jr. for recognizing the crucial role of seafarers in global trade and enacting this historic law. This would not have been possible without the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senate President Chiz Escudero, Rep. Jude Acidre, and Sen. Raffy Tulfo, whose dedication has led to stronger protections for seafarers,” Salo added.

Rep. Salo also expressed his gratitude to fellow legislators, maritime stakeholders, and advocates who played pivotal roles in the crafting and passage of this landmark legislation. “The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is a collective achievement. It represents years of collaboration, dialogue, and commitment in improving the welfare of our maritime workforce,” Rep. Salo stressed.

“With the Magna Carta now in place, the Philippines further cements its status as a leading maritime nation, while ensuring that the rights of its seafarers are front and center in policy and practice,” Salo emphasized. 

"We are proud of this historic achievement, and I urge all stakeholders in the maritime industry to continue supporting our seafarers as they contribute to global trade, maritime safety, and the economic growth of our nation," he concluded.