Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (left), OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino (Facebook)

Two House members who are known advocates of overseas Filipino workers' (OFWs) rights have welcomed the signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Hailing this development--which will benefit over 600,000 Filipino seafarers--were Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo and OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar' Magsino.

Salo, one of the principal authors of the Republic Act (RA) No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, said Wednesday was "a historic day for our seafarers".

"The signing of the IRR marks the beginning of the full implementation of a law that will not only safeguard their rights and welfare but also elevate the Philippines’ standing in the global maritime industry,” he said.

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers codifies the rights and obligations of seafarers, strengthens their education and training, and ensures compliance with international maritime standards. It also establishes measures to protect seafarers from exploitative practices and align the policies of government agencies. 

The IRR provides the specific mechanisms and guidelines for the effective enforcement of these objectives, ensuring that the Magna Carta’s provisions translate into tangible benefits for Filipino seafarers.

“I commend the Department of Migrant Workers, under the leadership of Secretary Hans Cacdac, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and all the government agencies that actively participated in crafting the IRR. I also commend the private sectors - both the unions, representing the employees, and the manning agencies, representing shipowners and employers - for their support and active participation,” Salo stated.

Salo also expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for signing the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law on September 23, 2024. “I thank President Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support of our maritime workforce. His leadership has ensured the realization of this landmark legislation."

The law, which took effect 15 days after its publication, required government agencies to issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within 90 days. 

“The issuance of the IRR is a crucial milestone that translates the Magna Carta’s provisions into concrete actions to protect and uplift our seafarers,” Salo added.

The IRR was crafted after thorough consultations with various maritime stakeholders, ensuring that the rules are consistent with the objectives of the law and address the unique needs and challenges of Filipino seafarers. It highlights clear mechanisms for grievance redress, access to training, and improved welfare measures.

Magsino of the OFW Party List, author of the Magna Carta, played a key role in advancing the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers. The law aims to ensure fair treatment, proper compensation, and access to essential benefits for Filipino maritime workers, who form a significant part of the global seafaring workforce.

“This law represents the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Filipino seafarers and ensuring their contributions to the global maritime industry are recognized and safeguarded. It seeks to enhance the protection and opportunities for Filipino seafarers throughout their careers, from entry to retirement, by aligning local laws with international standards.”, Rep. Magsino said in a statement.

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers aims to resolve long-standing issues faced by maritime workers, such as contract violations, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to legal remedies. With the IRR finalized, the law’s provisions are set for full implementation. 

Magsino, another author of RA No.12021, said the law aims to ensure fair treatment, proper compensation, and access to essential benefits for Filipino maritime workers who form a significant part of the global seafaring workforce.

“This law represents the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Filipino seafarers and ensuring their contributions to the global maritime industry are recognized and safeguarded. It seeks to enhance the protection and opportunities for Filipino seafarers throughout their careers, from entry to retirement, by aligning local laws with international standards," Magsino said in a separate statement.

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers aims to resolve long-standing issues faced by maritime workers, such as contract violations, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to legal remedies. 

With the IRR finalized, the law’s provisions are set for full implementation, Magsino said.