Marcos certifies Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers as urgent
Credit to Author: Helen Flores| Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has certified as urgent a bill that seeks to strengthen seafarers’ rights and improve their global competitiveness.
In a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated Sept. 25, Marcos raised the need for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 2221 or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.”
Marcos said the passage of the measure would address recurring deficiencies in domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers, which endanger their employment in the European market.
The bill also guarantees the Philippines’ compliance with its obligations of ensuring that Filipino seafarers’ training, facilities and equipment are at par with international standards and those set by relevant international conventions.
The House of Representatives approved on final reading its version of the measure on March 6.
Zubiri earlier said the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was among the 20 priority measures which the President urged Congress to pass by year end.
The Senate hopes to pass the bill on third reading this week.