House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)


The administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. won't leave Filipino seafarers out in the cold. House Speaker Martin Romualdez gave this assurance to the sector Friday, June 23, during his speech at the the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Expo at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City. “Under President Marcos' leadership, we are committed to fostering an enabling environment that promotes the welfare of seafarers, supports the growth of the maritime industry, and advances sustainable practices,” said Romualdez, who served as guest of honor at the event. “One of the significant milestones that we intend to achieve in President Marcos' tenure is the enactment of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” the House leader said. The proposed Magna Carta of Seafarers or House Bill (HB) No.7325 is one of the 33 priority measures (out of 42) that the House has approved on third and final reading during the first regular session of the current 19th Congress. It is now awaiting the action of the Senate. Romualdez says the proposed magna carta is a comprehensive and progressive law that addresses the various challenges faced by local seafarers throughout their careers. “It ensures fair and just working conditions, provides for reasonable compensation, guarantees access to quality healthcare and education, and promotes the welfare of seafarers and their families. "This legislation stands as a testament to President Marcos' dedication to creating a conducive environment for seafarers to thrive,” he explained. The Leyte 1st district congressman further says that the measure emphasizes the importance of continuous training and skills development for the seafarers, recognizing the dynamic nature of the maritime industry and the need for seafarers to adapt to evolving technologies and best practices. “By empowering seafarers with the necessary knowledge and skills, we not only enhance their professional capabilities but also ensure the sustained growth and competitiveness of our maritime sector,” he said. In 2022, an estimated 489,852 Filipino seafarers were deployed, constituting around 25 percent of the world's seafarers. In 2019, Filipino seafarers remitted $6.5 billion to the Philippines or roughly 1.7 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) that year. Department of Migrant Worker (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza of TUCP Party-list also graced the expo organized by ITF, recognized as the voice of the world’s two million seafarers.