Congress Approves Bill On Protecting Filipino Seafarers Under Duterte Gov’t
The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on
third and final reading the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
With 236-0 votes, the lower chamber approved House Bill
5685, which seeks to improve seafarers’ working conditions and terms of
employment and career prospects and to uplift the socio-economic well-being of
their families.
HB 5685 covers all Filipino seafarers engaged, employed, or
working in any capacity on board Philippine registered ships operating
domestically or internationally, as well as those on board foreign registered
ships.
However, it does not cover warships and naval auxiliaries,
government ships not engaged in commercial operations, ships of traditional
build, and fishing vessels.
Under the bill, seafarers shall have the right to a safe and
secure workplace that complies with safety standards, as well as decent working
and living conditions on board a ship.
Furthermore, seafarers shall be provided with medical care,
welfare measures, and other forms of health and social protection.
The bill also provides for fair terms and conditions of
employment including salary commensurate with their rank, hours of work, basis
for wage computation, minimum number of working hours, and rest period
consistent with Philippine laws or international maritime conventions.
The measure mandates the government to establish an integrated
document processing center where seafarers and the general public can transact
with at least 15 government agencies.
Source: Philippine News Agency
Congress Approves Bill On Protecting Filipino Seafarers Under Duterte Gov’t
Reviewed by Yen
on
July 30, 2017
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