President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers that specifies the rights and ensures the welfare of Filipino mariners.

In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need to immediately pass Senate Bill 2221 to address deficiencies in the training and accreditation of Filipino seafarers.

The President said the problem areas have been endangering the continued employment of Filipino seafarers in the European market. If the law is passed, Marcos said Filipinos will be assured of maritime training compliant with international standards.

The House of Representatives passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill 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 asked Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said.