Philippines - September 2024

On 23 September, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the long-awaited Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law, establishing a framework for the rights, welfare and working conditions of Filipino seafarers, whether on Philippine or foreign-registered vessels. The law guarantees rights such as the freedom to self-organize, fair wages, safe working conditions and protection against discrimination. According to the Department of Migrant Workers, the Act will benefit over half a million Filippino seafarers, who make up one in every four seafarers worldwide. The law also includes special protections for women sailors, who account for about two per cent of all employment in the sector, against widespread discrimination and harassment. While labour unions welcomed the landmark legislation in safeguarding seafarers' rights, some rights advocates have raised concerns that specific provisions benefit shipping companies and manning agencies over seafarers and exclude overseas fishers.

Sources: Rappler, Inquirer, Senate of the Philippines, Philippines News Agency