In a historic development for the Philippine maritime industry, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers has finally been signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after much anticipation. This landmark legislation seeks to uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, who play a crucial role in global trade, comprising roughly 25 percent of the world's maritime workforce. At Lacerta, we recognize the vital importance of this new law and the opportunities it creates for the industry and the seafarers themselves. As a company deeply invested in the welfare of Filipino mariners, we believe this move will pave the way for better protection, enhanced career development, and stronger legal frameworks for those who form the backbone of the global shipping industry.
The Magna Carta: A New Era for Filipino Seafarers
At the heart of the Magna Carta is a commitment to protecting the dignity of Filipino seafarers. President Marcos emphasized that fair wages, safe working conditions, and continuous skills development are not mere compliance issues but fundamental human rights. The law mandates just compensation, secure contracts, and safe passage across international waters. Beyond numbers on a paycheck, the Magna Carta aims to ensure that seafarers, often isolated and exposed to dangerous conditions, come home safely. The passage of this law reflects the country’s acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by its seafaring workforce, especially in the face of escalating threats such as the ongoing Red Sea conflicts, where commercial ships remain at risk of missile and gunboat attacks.
The Magna Carta also strengthens the legal framework to ensure that Filipino seafarers receive quality training and certification, aligned with global maritime standards, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). The law seeks to address long-standing compliance issues, especially concerning Filipino seafarers working on European Union-flagged vessels. With improved certification processes and upgraded training programs, Filipino seafarers will be better equipped to meet the evolving demands of the international shipping industry.
Celebrating Filipino Seafarers’ Resilience
As part of National Maritime Week celebrations, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) honored the dedication and resilience of Filipino seafarers during the “Alay sa Marinong Pilipino” event. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac underscored the critical role that seafarers play in powering the global economy, ensuring the continuous flow of goods under some of the most challenging conditions. Filipino seafarers deployed in 2023 reached an all-time high, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, further cementing their status as some of the most sought-after professionals in the industry.
The timely signing of the Magna Carta during this week of celebration was a cause for optimism among both seafarers and industry stakeholders. Many expressed hope that the new law would not only offer better protection against exploitation and unfair treatment but also open up more opportunities for career growth. Women seafarers, in particular, look forward to the law’s provisions against gender discrimination, which will help ensure that mothers and female workers are equally supported in the industry.
Strengthening Seafarer Support Systems
In addition to safeguarding their rights, the Magna Carta directs the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to establish seafarer welfare centers in major crew-change ports across the Philippines. These centers will provide vital services such as legal assistance, recreational facilities, and communication support, creating a safety net for seafarers both before and after their voyages. By addressing welfare issues and creating one-stop shops for seafarers' needs, the government aims to improve the quality of life for those who contribute so significantly to the country’s economy through their remittances and hard work on international waters.
As the Philippine maritime sector faces both new opportunities and ongoing challenges, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers offers a beacon of hope for the country’s seafaring community. By enshrining fundamental rights, enhancing training, and strengthening legal protections, the law represents a significant step toward empowering Filipino seafarers to thrive on the global stage. At Lacerta, we remain committed to advocating for the welfare, safety, and professional growth of Filipino seafarers, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions recognized worldwide.
Sources:
Philippines President signs delayed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law
DMW honors Filipino seafarers, partners on National Maritime Week
Protecting Filipino seafarers, among the best in the world