President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on Monday, aiming to safeguard the rights and overall welfare of Filipino seafarers.
The ceremonial signing of Republic Act 12021 occurred at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace, attended by key figures from the maritime sector, lawmakers, and several Cabinet members.
"It is not only a tribute to their sacrifices but a call to weave together a future that they can be proud of," Marcos said in his speech.
Marcos acknowledged lawmakers for their unwavering commitment to advancing seafarers' rights, noting their success in tackling challenges and nurturing their ambitions.
"This would not have been possible without the dedication of our legislators in bolstering seafarer’s rights, addressing their challenges, empowering their dreams, for this we thank you all." said Marcos.
Marcos described the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers as highly relevant, pointing to recent attacks on cargo ships and tankers in the Red Sea as a backdrop for its importance.
"Cargo ships and tankers travelling along that route had been attacked with missiles and with gunboats," Marcos stated.
"It is our way of telling our seafarers [that] we see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you," he added.
The law aims to implement a comprehensive framework for the protection and advancement of Filipino seafarers' rights and welfare in local and international maritime sectors. It also seeks to enhance education, training, and cadetship initiatives to improve mariners' competencies.
“The Magna Carta will strengthen our legal framework to ensure Filipino seafarers receive adequate training, secure contracts, just wages, and fair benefits," Marcos stressed.
Furthermore, this will align smoothly with the standards for training certification and watchkeeping (STCW), as well as the recognized global maritime labor laws.
Marcos stated that as seafarers navigate the unpredictable waters of their journeys, their country stands by them, proudly supporting and working diligently to ensure that every voyage is safer, fairer, and more dignified.
"This is our pledge to sail with you every step of the way until you find your way home safely back to the Bagong Pilipinas," Marcos said in closing.
