Tulfo: Magna Carta for seafarers nearing passage
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Senator Raffy Tulfo on Thursday said developments on the measure pushing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers will help secure full protection and promoting the best interests of the Filipino sailors.
Tulfo said the Senate had adopted and ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which reconciles the provisions of Senate Bill 2221 and House Bill 7325, during a plenary session on Wednesday.
Tulfo, the principal sponsor and one of the authors of SB 2221, said the ratification of the measure serves as a "result of a collaborative process between representatives from both houses who have the same intent of coming up with the best law that will truly benefit Filipino seafarers."
"Konting-konti na lang po, and this Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers will have concluded its long and turbulent journey. It is ready to go home to our beloved Filipino seafarers and be a lighthouse to their voyages," he added.
Tulfo thanked his fellow conferees both from the Senate and House of Representatives "for keeping an open mind in reconciling the different provisions of the bills."
Despite having different opinions on the tackled matters, Tulfo said, "It all has been ironed out."
"It includes the matter of annual leave wherein the Bicam members agreed at a compromise of 3.5 calendar days per month of employment," the senator noted.
During the bicameral conference, Tulfo said the Senate adopted the House version of institutionalizing shipboard training, which will be regulated and monitored by the Maritime Industry Authority or Marina.
The provision "ultimately addresses the repeated concern on the credentials of our seafarers and their compliance with the STCW," he said.
Also, "While it took them extensive discussions among the Bicam members, we ultimately came up with the provision on the Execution of Judgment and Monetary Awards where the winning party would be ensured restitution of the disputed monetary award, in case of a reversal on appeal."
Tulfo vowed to further work on the passage of policies that would benefit Filipino seafarers here and abroad.
"Throughout the process, concerns have also been raised regarding the efficacy of the Seafarer's Protection Act. I have taken note of these and will initiate its review next year," he said.
