Senator Raffy Tulfo hailed the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12021 or the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers” on Wednesday, January 8.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers and principal sponsor as well as one of the main authors of Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers at the Senate, said the IRR is a product of thorough consultation, review and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that every provision of the law serves the best interest of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers.
“Ang IRR na ito ang sisiguro na masusunod ang mahahalagang probisyon ng batas at magtitiyak na sapat na mapoprotektahan ang mga karapatan at pribilehiyo ng mga Filipino Seafarer sakaling may kaharapin silang mga problema habang ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin (This IRR will ensure that the important provisions of the law are followed and will guarantee that the rights and privileges of Filipino seafarers are adequately protected should they encounter any issues while performing their duties),” he said.
Tulfo added that the IRR also promotes full employment for Filipino seafarers while ensuring equal opportunities in the maritime industry for equitable access to education, training, and development, regardless of gender.
President Marcos ordered government agencies to ensure that every provision of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is implemented and not just mere words on paper.
He said this during the ceremonial signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
Tulfo stressed that the IRR also recognizes shipowners, Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), and manning and recruitment entities as vital partners in protecting and empowering Filipino seafarers.
He thanked President Marcos for prioritizing the welfare of Filipino seafarers.
It can be recalled that PBBM signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers last Sept. 23, 2024. For his part, Tulfo vowed to monitor the implementation of the law to ensure that it would always protect the rights of seafarers and improve their working conditions.