President Marcos has signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers which, he said, upholds the fundamental rights of overseas seafarers to fair wages, safe working conditions, and skills and competency development.
In signing the Republic Act (RA) No. 12021 or "An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers" on Monday, Sept. 23, Marcos said it is a "collective acknowledgment" of the sacrifices of Filipino seafarers.
"It is our way of telling our seafarers, “We see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you," Marcos said in his speech.
"At its core, this new law aims to uphold the fundamental rights of our overseas seafarers: their right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and skills and competency development, amongst others," Marcos added. "But let us not lose sight of what these rights mean."
The President underscored that fair wages are not just about numbers on a paycheck but "they are about the dignity of being compensated fairly for one’s hard work and dedication."
Safe working conditions, he further said, are not just about compliance— "they are about ensuring that every overseas seafarer who sets sail will come home safely."
He also said that skills development is not just a provision in the law but is about upgrading their qualifications to promote career growth, providing them tools, training, and support to become more competitive here and abroad.
"When we speak of protection, we speak of shielding our seafarers not only from the perils of the sea, but from exploitation and discrimination that have too often been tolerated," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also emphasized that the Magna Carta will seamlessly align with the Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), as well as the accepted global maritime labor laws.
"By creating a more robust certification process, we ensure that our seafarers are not just compliant but exceptional and equipped to meet the demands of an evolving maritime industry. Clear protocols for grievances and disputes are also enforced to help resolve issues and concerns of our seafarers," he said.
The Magna Carta will also strengthen the role of the maritime institutions and stakeholders by setting the standards for the quality of accommodation, food, medical care, and other services that are provided for seafarers.
"By prohibiting the imposition of recruitment, placement, visa or other related fees, we hope to alleviate some of the financial struggles that our seafarers even --- that they have to go through even before they board a vessel to set sail in international waters," Marcos said.
This law also confronts the emerging challenges of modern seafaring, including digitalization and automation, he added.
'Heroes of the modern world'
Marcos called Filipino seafarers as "heroes of the modern world" as he recognized the "actual human experiences" they encounter while sailing the sea.
The new law, he said, is not only a tribute to their sacrifices but a call to weave together a future that they can be proud of—"one where their voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their families feel the support of a nation that understands the weight of their duty."
He said that aside from helping drive economic growth, Filipino seafarers are the "heartbeat of countless Filipino families."
"They are, in many ways, the heroes of the modern world—linking bridges between nations, connecting markets, [and] carrying the Filipino spirit in every corner of the globe," he said.
The President also acknowledged that "we, as a nation, have too often overlooked" the hazards Filipino seafarers face while being away from their families.
"Long way away from their homes and their families, the weight of isolation, of unpredictable conditions, countless threats to their safety and their security – especially this past year, with what is happening around the world, especially in the Red Sea," he said.
"Cargo ships and tankers traveling along that route have been attacked with missiles and with gun boats. Last month, it happened once again with a Greek oil tanker," he added.
"And these are not just occupational hazards; they are actual human experiences."
In his speech, Marcos told seafarers that the country stands with them, and pledged that the government would "sail with you, every step of the way, until you find your way home safely back."