Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers certified as urgent

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to specify the rights and ensure the welfare of Filipino seafarers.

In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2221, titled "An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipinos Seafarers."

The enactment aims to address recurring deficiencies in the domestic laws on the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers which endanger their employment in the European market in particular and the global maritime arena in general.

"Pursuant to the provisions of the Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 2221," Marcos' letter read.

The bill, Marcos added, ensures that the Philippines will uphold its commitment to ensure that Filipino seafarers receive training, facilities, and equipment that are on par with international standards and those established by pertinent international conventions.

The House of Representatives already passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill No. 7325) on final reading on 6 March of this year with 304 votes in favor.

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation that the President has requested Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said, who attended the third meeting of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) last week in Malacañang.