Marcos signs Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, an initiative that seeks to further uplift the lives and welfare of seafarers.

Stressing his administration's commitment to protect the rights and overall welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers, as well as promote their full employment, the chief executive certified as urgent the legislation last year.

«It is our way of telling our seafarers, 'We see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you',» Marcos said during the signing ceremony held in Malacañang.

Republic Act (RA) 12021 mandates the seafarers' right to just terms and conditions of work; right to self-organization and to collective bargaining; right to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs; right to information; the right to information of a seafarer's family or next of kin; and the right against discrimination.