The harmonized version of Senate Bill 2221 and House Bill 7325, also known as Republic Act 12021 or 'An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,' was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace last Monday, September 23.The Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines described the new law as 'an important victory for all Filipino seafarers serving onboard domestic and international vessels.
Ron Salo regarded the signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers as a 'monumental victory for the more than 600,000 Filipino seafarers serving both locally and internationally.''The signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is not just a win for our maritime workforce — it is a victory for the entire maritime industry. The law provides the legal foundation to safeguard the rights, enhance working conditions, and secure the futures of our seafarers,' said Salo.