Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Rep. Salo's office)





The United Filipino Seafarers Labor Federation's (UFS) backing of House Bill (HB) No.7325 or the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers gives the measure credibility. Thus, said Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo as he cited the UFS' endorsement of the bill to Malacañang, as well as to the Senate, via an open letter. "I thank the [UFS]] or their public support for the passage of the Magna Carta of Seafarers. UFS endorsement is a resounding proof that the passage of the bill, with its provision on escrow, enjoys the unqualified support of the seafarers themselves contrary to some disinformation from certain quarters who are benefitting from the status quo," Salo said. The veteran lawmaker is the chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (OWA), which was the main committee that handled HB No.7325. The House of Representatives has already approved the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on third and final reading. In the open letter, UFS endorsed the bill and thanked the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chaired by Salo. In particular, UFS stated that the escrow provision of the bill will avert the exodus of job opportunities for Filipino Seafarers. "Aside from ensuring the welfare and health of our seafarers while they are deployed at sea, it is also crucial that we put measures that will protect our seafarers’ finances from unscrupulous ambulance chasing groups and individuals. The provision on escrow will greatly redound to, and ultimately benefit the seafarers themselves," Salo noted. "UFS' unqualified support of this bill, particularly the provision on escrow, gives me peace and confidence that we have passed a balanced, well-crafted, and compassionate bill," he added. The Senate has yet to pass its own version of the magna carta.