A group of seafarers expressed gratitude to President Marcos for heeding the calls not to sign into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and review some of the provisions first.

In a statement, the Seafarers Rights Philippines explained that one of the provisions of the proposed law, for instance, requires the filing of a bond by seafarers who have won their cases with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) or the Voluntary Arbitrator under the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) before the award can be released to them.

“Requiring certain conditions, either a cash bond or surety, before a seafarer can access the awarded benefits is another burden to these heroes who have already lost their jobs, are injured, or under disability,” the group said.

“The bond requirement is anti-labor, alien to the purpose of Magna Carta and a counter measure to the very essence of the legislation which is to protect this exploited class of overseas workers. Therefore, this particular provision on bond requirement must be completely scrapped,” it added.

Marcos earlier deferred the signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, with Malacañan saying that it has to review some of the provisions first.

Local ship owners earlier appealed to the President not to sign the proposed law over, saying some of the provisions would extremely affect their operations as they are not at par with the financial and operational capability of international shipping lines.

On the part of the Seafarers Rights Philippines, it said the House Bill No. 7325, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, contains an oppressive provision against Filipino seafarers.

“We are appealing to the compassion of the Congress to show empathy to our seafarers and uphold their legal rights for compensation over violations of ship owners and management,” it said.

“As this Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act is long overdue, its passage therefore is for the interest of Filipino seafarers, such that, we call on our legislators to push for the right measures for the benefits of these suffering modern-day heroes,” the statement added.

The group also called on the Maritime Labor Organizations to protect the welfare of their members against this anti-labor measures. 

“Our Filipino seafarers, like other OFWs, are one of our modern-day heroes who contribute much in keeping our economy afloat. Being the preferred in the global fleet, Filipino seafarers bring pride to this country. Such that, at the time of their sufferings, injuries, or disability, the nation must embrace them and must take a stand in upholding their rights,” the group said.