President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for rigorous enforcement of the newly signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The directive was issued during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace, where Marcos emphasized the importance of protecting and empowering Filipino seafarers through strict compliance with the new regulations.
The President instructed key government bodies, including the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to ensure the swift rollout of all necessary guidelines and to monitor adherence to the IRR. Marcos highlighted the holistic approach of the Magna Carta, aimed at improving the lives of seafarers and their families.
The IRR, signed by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Marina administrator Sonia Malaluan, was enacted to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, both domestically and abroad. It promotes equal employment opportunities, access to education, training, and development, aligning with both national and international standards.
Key provisions of the IRR include strengthening seafarers’ rights, promoting equality and inclusion, enhancing maritime education, and ensuring accountability. It also codifies rights such as safe passage, protection from harassment and discrimination, fair medical assessments, and access to free legal representation.
The regulations emphasize gender equality, requiring maritime companies to adopt policies that support women’s participation and protect them from discrimination. Additionally, the IRR sets clear employment standards, including working hours, rest periods, job descriptions, and compensation, with periodic reviews of seafarers’ contracts to meet global standards.
Further, the IRR mandates timely salary payments, sick and vacation leave, and death benefits, and allows seafarers to designate multiple beneficiaries for their allotments, enhancing financial security for their families. All Filipino seafarers are also entitled to join social protection programs like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Social Security System (SSS).
Senator Raffy Tulfo praised President Marcos for prioritizing seafarers’ welfare and noted that the IRR, developed through extensive consultation and collaboration, would ensure the law’s provisions serve the best interests of Filipino seafarers. Tulfo, a key figure in the legislation’s creation, stressed the IRR’s role in protecting seafarers’ rights and improving their working conditions.