The Tagapagtaguyod ng Mga Reporma at Adhikaing Babalikat at Hahango sa Mga Oportunidad Para sa Mga Pilipino (TRABAHO) Partylist is seeking to amplify the protection of Filipino mariners through the recent approval of Republic Act No. 120221, or the Magna Carta for Seafarers.
According to TRABAHO Partylist spokesperson Atty. Michelle Espiritu, the law’s passage is a huge win for seafarers. Its passage strengthens the protection of mariners, providing them with benefits, proper training, and cadetship.
The party believes its passage will greatly benefit Filipino seafarers, considering the recent attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Atty. Espiritu stressed that dangerous situations may not be eradicated for these workers. However, to properly compensate for that, they will be offered twice the amount of their wages.
Additionally, Atty. Espiritu mentioned that there are parts included in the provision that the mariners oppose. One of the objections made was the posting of execution bonds on the ship owner or manning agency.
According to them, there are certain steps and processes to be taken for mariners to claim the benefits and prove the validity of their illnesses or injuries. When encountering issues like this, the partylist said that this may force workers to choose lawyers who charge a lot for legal services.
Due to this, they are aiming to provide mariners with a group of lawyers who can help them deal with their cases.
Last September, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace. The law aims to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
