In a major advancement for the Philippine maritime sector, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law on September 23, 2024. This landmark legislation stands as a significant step toward strengthening the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, aligning the country with global maritime standards. Lacerta, dedicated to supporting Filipino seafarers and maritime industry growth, views this development as a pivotal moment. By providing seafarers with essential protections and opportunities for fair treatment and professional growth, this law promises to transform the maritime landscape, benefiting seafarers and the industry as a whole.
Enhancing Protections for Filipino Seafarers
The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers provides a robust legal framework that strengthens protections for seafarers both at sea and onshore. As an enabling law of the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Convention, it emphasizes fair compensation, improved working conditions, and social and welfare benefits for Filipino seafarers. Under the new law, seafarers are guaranteed comprehensive protection against maltreatment, harassment, and inadequate compensation, setting a foundation for a more dignified maritime profession.
A critical component of the law is the introduction of mandatory shipboard training and skills development initiatives aimed at fostering career growth and enhancing global competitiveness. By mandating that all seafarers receive adequate training and skills certification, the Magna Carta seeks to establish a highly skilled workforce that meets the demands of the modern maritime industry.
Addressing the Issue of Ambulance-Chasing
One of the most impactful provisions of the Magna Carta is its approach to tackling the long-standing problem of ambulance-chasing in the Philippines. For years, fraudulent injury claims, driven by predatory "ambulance chasers," have plagued the maritime industry. These fraudulent claims have forced maritime employers to pay out large sums and created a negative perception of hiring Filipino seafarers. A recent report by the International Group of P&I revealed that approximately PHP 2.8 billion in wrongful judgments had been paid out due to fraudulent claims, significantly impacting the job security of Filipino mariners.
The new law imposes strict regulations on claims processes to protect seafarers from exploitation and prevent unscrupulous parties from taking advantage of injury cases. By curbing these practices, the Magna Carta aims to restore the confidence of global shipping companies in the Filipino workforce, paving the way for new employment opportunities and strengthening the Philippines' standing in the global maritime industry.
Support from the Maritime Community
The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers has garnered widespread support across the maritime sector, from manning agencies to seafarers' unions. The Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) praised the law, stating that it will lead to a more secure future for Filipino mariners. “This increased protection will not only shield them from harmful systems but also open up more job opportunities and contribute to a stronger and more robust seafaring industry,” ALMA said in a statement.
Additionally, the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), the largest union of Filipino seafarers, hailed the new law as a victory for the rights of Filipino mariners worldwide. By ensuring that seafarers have access to fair treatment, safe working conditions, and just compensation, the Magna Carta signifies a collective step toward creating a more equitable and sustainable maritime industry.
At Lacerta, we believe that the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the Filipino maritime community. This legislation not only provides essential protections but also fosters a supportive environment that enables our seafarers to thrive in both domestic and international waters. As we continue our mission to support the growth and empowerment of Filipino seafarers, we look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this law unfold, empowering our workforce, uplifting our industry, and contributing to the economic well-being of the Philippines. Together, let’s navigate toward a brighter future for our seafarers and the global maritime community.
Sources:
Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers: Landmark law for 2024