ISSUE 12 | MARCH-APRIL 2025 24 The Philippines has been a leading supplier of seafarers, with over 600,000 Filipino seafarers deployed abroad each year, according to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). This legislation introduces a range of reforms and guidelines to address the pressing concerns of the maritime industry, including claims handling, third-doctor referrals, and judgment execution, thereby improving the working conditions and rights of Filipino seafarers both domestically and internationally. Below are 5 reasons why the Magna Carta will bring about positive change for Filipino seafarers: 1. Protections for Filipino seafarers The Magna Carta aims to guarantee Filipino seafarers’ rights to fair and dignified working conditions, including access to healthcare, legal assistance, and social protection. The law mandates that shipowners and manning agencies respect the rights of seafarers by ensuring proper treatment while on duty. Seafarers are given the opportunity to form and join unions, thereby ensuring that they can negotiate for better terms and conditions with employers. Furthermore, the new law clarifies the guidelines for claims related to disability, death, and other compensable injuries. This includes clearer procedures for claims handling and the rights of the families of seafarers in the event of a death. 2. Improved legal and medical support Under the Magna Carta, Filipino seafarers now have access to better legal and medical support. The law provides for: ●● One-Stop Shop Centers for Seafarers: These centers are designed to assist seafarers in addressing their various needs, including access to legal services, healthcare, and other support services. ●● Medical treatment and free legal representation: Seafarers will receive fair medical treatment, and in case of disputes or claims, they will be entitled to free legal representation, ensuring they have adequate resources to protect their rights. 3. Enhanced training and development opportunities The law prioritizes continuous professional development for Filipino seafarers, which is vital to maintaining the global competitiveness of the Filipino maritime workforce. In particular, the Magna Carta provides for the establishment of training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of seafarers, ensuring that they remain competitive in the global market. In addition, the law requires maritime educational institutions to adopt state-of-the-art facilities and equipThe Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) was enacted on October 11, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers. Regulatory Focus: Key points to know in the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers ment, offering a more robust curriculum for the seafarers and cadets who will shape the future of the maritime industry. 4. Addressing discrimination and gender inequality The Magna Carta places special emphasis on addressing gender discrimination, particularly against women in the maritime industry. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law ensures that seafarers, especially women, are protected from gender-based discrimination and harassment. It also offers opportunities for women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 5. Tackling fraudulent claims and ensuring accountability The law also addresses some of the systemic issues within the maritime legal system, such as fraudulent claims and the abuse of legal processes. Atty. Iris Baguilat, President of Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., discussed the importance of loss prevention and compensable claims at the 2024 SAFETY4SEA Athens She emphasized that the Magna Carta aims to target fraudulent claims, ensuring that only legitimate, compensable claims are processed, while reducing the abuse of the legal system. She also highlighted that the law imposes greater accountability on shipowners and manning agencies, requiring them to fulfill their legal and financial obligations to seafarers.
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