The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill (HB) No.7325 or the proposed Magna Carta of Seafarers.

This took place during plenary session late Wednesday afternoon, March 1 after the bill--a priority measure of the Marcos administration--was subjected to a voice vote (ayes vs. nayes).

The affirmative or aye votes won out, declared Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto, who was the presiding officer at that time.

Before HB No.7325's second-reading passage, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, engaged minority member, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas in a lengthy debate on the bill's key provisions.

The bill seeks to address the problem being faced by maritime higher educational institutions when it comes to the shipboard training of cadets.

It also facilitates the Philippines' compliance to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, or the STCW Convention.

The bill seeks to protect seafarers' interests, such as ensuring them proper work conditions, fair employment terms, and ample career opportunities.

A provision of HB No.7325 provides for a standard employment contract containing terms and conditions of employment that have been approved by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Such terms and conditions should also be compliant with the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention.

The bill also provides for the creation of a "green lane" for Filipino seafarers in the event of any travel-related or health-related movement restrictions.

All maritime higher education institutions that offer Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT), Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering (BSMarE), and other maritime degree programs will be directed to have their own training ships, or enter into agreements with local or international shipping companies, shipowners, or manning agencies for the shipboard training of its students.

The proposed statute covers all Filipino seafarers working aboard foreign-registered and Philippine-registered vessels.

Commenting on the bill's passage, Deputy Majority Leader and MARINO Party-list Rep. Sandro Gonzalez said on Thursday, "The House of Representatives is making a bold statement in approving the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on second reading without amendments."

"It guarantees the earnestness of the current administration to address matters related to our seafarers and manifests the government's acknowledgement of their value as professionals and key contributors to the world commerce and economy," he added.

Salo expects the measure to get passed on third and final reading next week.