Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on January 8, 2025.
The signing event was witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., key government officials, maritime leaders, and representatives from seafarer organizations.
“I am as happy as anyone as we now have the IRR and we can now implement all of the provisions of the Magna Carta for our seafarers. It is a very important day for all our Filipino seafarers, for whom we have done all of these,” Marcos said in his speech.
The President highlighted the government’s unwavering support for Filipino seafarers, acknowledging their essential role in global maritime trade and the Philippine economy.
He directed key agencies such as Department of Transportation, Marina, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), to ensure strict compliance with the IRR of the recently enacted law for Filipino seafarers. He emphasized the need to maximize the law’s benefits and ensure its provisions “are not just words that appear on paper but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on.”
“These provisions are part of a holistic framework designed to uplift the lives of Filipino seafarers and their families. As we formally implement this landmark law, I urge all of us — public servants, industry leaders, and maritime advocates—to embrace our roles with determination,” Marcos added.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (left) and Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Sonia Malaluan (right) signed the IRR of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
Protecting seafarers’ right
Key features of the IRR.
Seafarers’ rights: The IRR ensures that Filipino seafarers enjoy fundamental rights, including the right to safe passage, protection against harassment and discrimination, fair medical assessments, and the right to free legal representation. It guarantees that seafarers are informed and treated fairly.
Support for women in maritime: The new regulations require companies to implement policies that promote gender equality, encourage women’s participation, provide access to education and career opportunities, and protect them from gender-based discrimination, setting a new standard for inclusive practices in the industry.
Fair employment standards: The IRR also mandates employers to establish transparent guidelines for working hours, rest periods, job descriptions, and wages. It requires periodic reviews to ensure that employment standards align with global maritime benchmarks.
Wages and benefits: The IRR guarantees Filipino seafarers fair wages, timely salary payments, sick leave, vacation leave, and death benefits. Seafarers can now designate multiple beneficiaries for their allotments, ensuring greater financial security for their families.
Social protection and welfare: The IRR guarantees all Filipino seafarers membership in social protection programs, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Social Security System, ensuring that seafarers and their families are supported by crucial safety nets.
“This document reflects months of thorough consultation, rigorous review, and sincere dialogue among all stakeholders, ensuring that every provision serves the interests of our seafarers and their families,” Cacdac said.
“This process encapsulates the essence of the principles of tripartism,” he added.
Cacdac referred to the IRR as “a covenant to protect [seafarers’] rights and empower [their] aspirations,” promising that the government will support them at every stage of their journey.
“This reflects our collective vision for a maritime sector that is secure, protected, and ready to face the challenges of a dynamic global maritime industry,” he concluded.
The DMW is directed to review the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) every 10 years, or earlier if deemed necessary, in collaboration with the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC), to ensure it aligns with current maritime industry standards.
Under the IRR, MARINA holds jurisdiction over maritime education.
Collaboration and vision
For her part, Malaluan praised the collaborative efforts that led to the IRR’s signing. “Today, we celebrate not just a legislative accomplishment but a concrete expression of our nation’s gratitude and commitment to our seafarers,” she said.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter where the rights of our seafarers are safeguarded, ensuring they remain the lifeblood of global shipping,” Malaluan added.
She emphasized the need for collective action in implementing the IRR. “We owe this achievement to the dedicated efforts of legislators, agencies, stakeholders, and seafarers who engaged with us during the drafting process. Let us all commit to implementing these rules effectively, keeping seafarers’ welfare at the forefront,” Malaluan urged.
The Magna Carta prioritizes health and safety for seafarers. It mandates employers to provide medical care, occupational safety training, and health emergency measures. The IRR ensures that seafarers who contract diseases while on duty receive paid sick leave or sickness benefits.
It also ensures that seafarers have fair access to free legal representation.
Marcos emphasized that this provision guarantees support and protection for Filipino seafarers during moments of vulnerability, such as illness, injury, or legal challenges.
Industry advancements
Marcos praised the IRR for fostering a “well-prepared and competitive maritime workforce.” He called for advanced training programs and cutting-edge facilities in maritime education.
“By enhancing access to advanced training and requiring maritime education institutions to adopt cutting-edge facilities, we are equipping our seafarers and cadets to compete in the global arena,” he said.
“Beyond compliance with international standards, these efforts also secure the future of our seafarers in a rapidly evolving industry,” he added.
The IRR also establishes one-stop-shop centers for seafarers, simplifying processes and removing bureaucratic obstacles.
Marcos signed Republic Act 12021, also known as the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” in September 2024. The law aims to address shortcomings in the country’s maritime education and certification system, as highlighted by the European Commission.
The legislation places a strong emphasis on training and education, mandating the implementation of programs that meet international standards to improve the skills and qualifications of Filipino seafarers.
Economic impact
Overseas Filipino Workers party-list Rep. Marissa del Mar Magsino, author of the Magna Carta, welcomed the signing of the IRR.
“This law represents the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Filipino seafarers and ensuring their contributions to the global maritime industry are recognized and safeguarded,” she said.
“It seeks to enhance the protection and opportunities for Filipino seafarers throughout their careers, from entry to retirement, by aligning local laws with international standards,” Magsino added.
The Philippines has long been recognized as one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, with Filipino seafarers comprising a significant portion of the global workforce.
In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development recognized the Philippines as one of the top sources of seafarers worldwide.
Filipino seafarers contribute significantly to the Philippine economy. The industry generated over US$6.7 billion in remittances in 2022, with Filipino seafarers making up a major portion of the global workforce.
According to Marina, the country deployed an average of more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers overseas each year from 2016 to 2021.
The IRR’s framework strengthens the Philippines’ position as a leader in the global maritime industry while safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families.
All photos credit: Presidential Communications Office
Top photo: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (left) and Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Sonia Malaluan (right) with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the signing ceremony in Malacañang Palace on January 8, 2025.
