President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has certified the measure that seeks to "protect the rights and overall welfare of local and overseas Filipino seafarers" before, during, and after employment as urgent.
In a letter dated September 25 and addressed to Senate President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri, Marcos said there is a need to immediately pass Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2221 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to "address the deficiencies" in the domestic laws regarding the Filipino seafarers' training and accreditation.
The President said the employment of thousands of Filipino seafarers in the European market as well as in the global maritime arena is in danger due to the deficiencies.
"Likewise, the bill guarantees to the international community that the Philippines will comply with its obligations of ensuring that our training, facilities, and equipment are at par with the international standards and those set by relevant international conventions," Marcos added.
With the certification, the Senate has the authority to pass the SBN 2221 on the second and third reading on the same day.
Last March 6, the House of Representatives approved its version of the said bill on the third and final reading.
The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was among the 20 priority measures which the Congress is expected to pass by the end of 2023, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
