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| Congress assures its support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiatives to protect Filipino seafarers' rights and enhance the maritime sector's development. |
NEWS – House Speaker Martin Romualdez, along with House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza and Department of Migrant Worker (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople, recently appeared at the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Seafarers' Expo to reiterate the Congress' support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of safeguarding the rights and interests of Filipino seafarers while promoting advancements in the maritime sector.
"Under President Marcos' leadership, we are committed to fostering an enabling environment that promotes the welfare of seafarers, supports the growth of the maritime industry, and advances sustainable practices," said Speaker Romualdez.
One of the crucial steps towards achieving these goals, according to Romualdez, is the reinforcement of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Also known as House Bill (HB) No. 7325, the Magna Carta of Seafarers is among the priority measures of the Marcos administration.
Romualdez considers this bill a comprehensive and progressive law addressing multiple issues within the country's maritime sector.
The House leader also acknowledged Filipino seafarers as the lifeblood of the maritime industry, making significant contributions to the nation's economy.
In 2022, approximately 489,852 Filipino seafarers were employed in various countries, accounting for 25% of the world's seafarers. Furthermore, in 2019 alone, Filipino seafarers remitted a staggering USD 6.5 billion to the Philippines, roughly equivalent to 1.7% of the country's gross domestic product for that year.
"[The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers]...ensures fair and just working conditions, provides for reasonable compensation, guarantees access to quality healthcare and education, and promotes the welfare of seafarers and their families. This legislation stands as a testament to President Marcos' dedication to creating a conducive environment for seafarers to thrive," added Romualdez. —iTacloban