Go renews call for creation of Magna Carta for Seafarers

Senator Bong Go (Senate PRIB)



Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his push for the passage of his very own Senate Bill (SB) No.1191, which seeks to provide a Magna Carta for Seafarers. Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, cited the significant role of Filipino seafarers in global trade and marine transportation as well as the huge contribution of all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the country's economy. SB No.1191, if passed into law, aims to cover a wide range of issues that usually affect seafarers. It shall help secure the right of the country's seafarers to decent and humane employment and set a guide for seafarers on training, overseas employment, and retirement. “I have been relentless in pursuing the interests and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers, including seafarers. “Until now, I continue to fight for the welfare of our seafarers because their job is no joke as they have to be away from their families in order to provide them a better future,’’ Go said. “The Philippines has been the primary source of maritime labor and considered the manning capital of seafarers globally since 1987. Of the 1.5 million mariners worldwide, 25 percent are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry,” he added. In a recently published open letter of the United Filipino Seafarers Labor Federation to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and to senators, the group reiterated its support for the passage of House Bill (HB) No.7325, also known as the Magna Carta for Seafarers. It also sought for better protection for seafarers, particularly regarding settlement of various employment-related claims. “Just like the support we have given to our OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) we really pushed for the passage  of the proposed establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers. I also want our seafarers provided with the necessary support and protection through a magna carta for them,” Go said. Meanwhile, Go thanked the European Commission (EC) after its decision to continue recognizing certificates issued by the Philippines that will allow Filipino seafarers to continue working on European Union (EU)-flagged ships. In December 2021, EC informed the Philippine government that the recognition of its seafarer certificates would be withdrawn unless serious measures were taken, including compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers. The senator then underscored that the proposed Magna Carta for Seafarers is particularly crucial for protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers in situations where they are vulnerable or exploited, such as during emergencies, accidents, or conflicts. The Magna Carta seeks to systematize the rights of the seafarers into a single reference law, including their right to just terms and conditions of work, self-organization, educational advancement and training, information and consultation, fair treatment in the event of an accident, and against discrimination. It also aims to provide standard terms and conditions of employment for seafarers, including provisions related to wages, hours of work and rest, leaves, and social welfare benefits. If enacted, it shall likewise mandate ship owners to provide medical care, both on-board and ashore, as well as a financial security system to assist our seafarers in case of injuries. Believing that all Filipino migrant workers, including seafarers, should be given the necessary support and benefits that they rightfully deserve, Go was instrumental in the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11641, creating the DMW. The Senate version of the Act, SB 2234, was co-authored and co-sponsored by Go. DMW serves as the lead agency for implementing policies, plans and programs that will ensure the protection, promotion of interests, timely resolution of problems, and effective reintegration of OFWs. “This is our gift to our OFWs for their sacrifice. They have contributed a lot to our country. They’re our modern heroes. This Department of Migrant Workers is for them,” Go explained.