IRR of Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers signed

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) was signed today (January 8) by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Sonia Malaluan in a ceremony at Malacañang.

The Magna Carta enshrines comprehensive legal protection for Filipino seafarers, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect throughout their careers.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. witnessed the signing along with other key government officials, maritime leaders, and representatives from seafarer organizations.

Marcos emphasized the government’s support for Filipino seafarers, acknowledging their indispensable role in global maritime trade and the Philippine economy.

He said: “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.”

Cacdac said the IRR is a “covenant to protect [seafarers’] rights and empower [their] aspirations,” promising that the government will stand with them every step of their journey. He noted, “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.”

Malaluan emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding principles enshrined in the Magna Carta. “Today, we celebrate not just a legislative accomplishment but a concrete expression of our nation’s gratitude and commitment to our seafarers,” she said.

Malaluan hailed the collaboration as a milestone in realizing the President’s vision to enhance the protection, welfare, and empowerment of Filipino seafarers. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter where the rights of our seafarers are safeguarded, ensuring they remain the lifeblood of global shipping,” said Malaluan.

She called for collective action, stating, “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.”

The Magna Carta’s IRR, comprising 22 rules, provides a detailed framework to operationalize provisions of the law. Key features of the IRR are the following:

1. Seafarers’ Rights: The IRR codifies essential rights for Filipino seafarers, including the right to safe passage, protection against harassment and discrimination, fair medical assessments, and the right to free legal representation. The IRR ensures that seafarers are informed, protected, and treated fairly throughout their contract.

2. Support for Women in the Maritime Industry: The new regulations emphasize gender equality in the maritime sector, requiring companies to implement policies that promote women’s participation, access to education, and career opportunities. It guarantees women seafarers protection from gender-based discrimination, setting a new standard for inclusive practices in the industry.

3. Fair Employment Standards: The IRR sets clear, transparent employment standards, including guidelines for working hours, rest periods, job descriptions, and compensation. Seafarers’ contracts will undergo periodic reviews to ensure they align with global maritime standards.

4. Wages and Benefits: RA 12021 guarantees fair wages for seafarers, ensuring timely payment of salaries, sick leave, vacation leave, and death benefits. Additionally, seafarers may now designate more than one beneficiary for their allotments, enhancing financial security for their families.

5. Social Protection and Welfare: Under the IRR, all Filipino seafarers are entitled to 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.

The IRR’s approval paves the way for various government agencies to develop subsequent policies and guidelines that will bring the Magna Carta’s principles into full effect.

The IRR underwent three months of consultations involving government agencies, maritime industry stakeholders, training institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups. The DMW, represented by Cacdac, led the IRR’s formulation as Chair, with MARINA serving as Vice Chair.

Marcos signed the Magna Carta into law on September 23, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a global leader in maritime workforce development. The law is a testament to the nation’s commitment to equipping Filipino seafarers with the necessary skills and protections to thrive in the maritime industry.

READ: Marcos signs Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law

The President noted the quick progress made, highlighting that “only three months after I signed the Magna Carta for Seafarers, we now witness the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to their welfare.