Gov’t urged to pass law protecting Pinoy seafarers

A lawmaker on Sunday urged the Philippine government to immediately pass a law providing comprehensive protection for some 350,000 sea-based Filipino workers around the world. Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara called on his colleagues in Congress to prioritize the passage of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers following Senate’s ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO)’s Marine Labor Convention (MLC) last month. “Special laws must be explicitly crafted for the benefit of sea-based Filipino workers as their circumstances are unique from land-based workers and the rest of the labor force,” the congressman said in a statement. Last August 20, the Philippines became 30th ILO member-state to ratify the MLC, which sets standards for seafarers conditions of employment. Angara filed House Bill 566, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, two years ago. Two similar bills filed by DIWA party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay and Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Violago, have also been pending before the House committee on overseas workers affairs. Angara said passing this legislation will make sure that Filipino seafarers worldwide are being treated and paid well for their work. “The government must endeavor to improve the Filipino seafarers’ working conditions, terms of employment, career prospects and provide them opportunities to harness their potentials to the fullest. We must recognize the rights, contributions and unique role of Filipino seafarers, as well as their vulnerabilities, and afford them full protection,” he said. Last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that Filipino seafarers poured $4.2 billion in remittances to the Philippines. — LBG, GMA News