MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Two lawmakers have called for the immediate passage of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers following the tragic death of two seafarers in a recent Houthi rebel attack.
House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairperson Ron Salo outlines proposed legislation requiring shipowners to cover repatriation, transport of personal effects, and seafarer remains and mandate financial security in abandonment cases.
“I strongly condemn the attack perpetrated by the Houthi rebels against a merchant vessel navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that led to the tragic death of two Filipino seafarers and injured several other crew members, including two Filipinos who sustained severe wounds,” Salo said.
“Now, more than ever, the immediate enactment of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is paramount,” he added.
Salo called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to provide immediate assistance for the repatriation of the victims’ remains, as well as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to assist and support the bereaved families and the injured Filipino crew members.
OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, for her part, said such tragedy shows the necessity to pass the charter for seafarer rights to ensure the protection of the welfare of Filipino seafarers, particularly their right to humane working conditions and just compensation.
“This kind of tragedy shows the workplace hazards that our seafarers face and the urgency to pass the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers to safeguard their welfare and their families in times of crisis,” she said.
The bill covers Filipino seafarers “who are employed or engaged or work in any capacity on board foreign-registered ships and Philippine-registered ships operating internationally.”
Filipino Seafarers’ Rights
• Safe, secure workplace with safety standards.
• Fair employment terms and conditions.
• decent living conditions on ships.
• Health protection, welfare measures, and medical care.
• Self-organization and family information.
• Protection against discrimination.
• Educational advancement and training.
• Free legal representation.
• Grievance mechanisms.
• Access to communication.
Magsino also stated that the proposed law will ensure Filipino seafarers experience a safe and secure workplace that meets safety standards.
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