Senate, House reconcile disagreeing provisions of Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

The Senate and the House of Representatives in a bicameral conference meeting on Wednesday successfully resolved the disagreeing provisions of their respective versions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

The bicameral conference was attended by the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers chairperson, Senator Raffy Tulfo, and panel members Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Francis Escudero, Risa Hontiveros, and Imee Marcos.

While the house panel was led by the House Chairperson on Migrant Workers Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo, along with OFW Partylist Rep. Marissa Magsino, MARINO Partylist Rep. Sandro Gonzalez, Zamboanga 1st District Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso, and Pangasinan 6th District Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas.

Tulfo said the reconciling of the Senate and House versions of the bill is a "step closer to passing the measure that will institutionalize the rights that will protect seafarers."

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously certified as urgent a proposed measure crafting a Magna Carta for seafarers.

Tulfo stressed anew that the passage of the proposed measure will promote the welfare and continuous employment of seafarers on board foreign-owned vessels.