Seafarer group seeks swift passage of Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers

MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Marine Officers and Ratings Inc. (AMOR Seaman), a group of Filipino seafarers thanked Senate President Chiz Escudero, Sen. Raffy Tulfo, Sen. Koko Pimentel and Sen. Risa Hontiveros and other lawmakers for the deletion of a controversial provision in the proposed Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.

AMOR Seaman said they are thankful that the execution bond has been removed because they believe it’s prejudicial to and discriminatory against all Filipino seafarers especially to disabled and sick seafarers.

Oiler seaman Jacinto Rivera, spokesperson for AMOR Seaman said, “We are now pleading for President Marcos to sign the latest version of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers without the execution bond and the escrow provision. We believe our good president will help us and sign the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers to ensure our rights, protection and welfare.”

In the previous version of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, the controversial escrow provision was removed but an execution bond was included.

Rivera explained that a seafarer seeks payment of monetary benefits because of his medical condition. Many Filipino seafarers are sick, disabled and have incurred big debts because they have to sustain their medication. Sadly, others die before the Supreme Court releases its final judgment on their case.

The aggrieved seafarer, Rivera said, will be forced to redirect his money to the unjust execution bond. Common sense tells us the poor and sick seafarer’s money should be used for his medication and for immediate needs of his family. The execution bond therefore further puts in danger the economic well-being of the seafarer.

Rivera explained that the execution bond provision is truly violative of the equal protection clause, anti-labor and anti-OFW, making it very difficult for the seafarers to receive the winning award.

“That’s why AMOR Seaman expressed both joy and relief upon hearing the good news that the bi-cameral committee removed the escrow and execution bond in the Magna Carta for Seafarers Bill, “ Rivera said.

AMOR Seaman also praised Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla for their stance against the said provision in the Magna Carta for Seafarers Bill.