Marcos orders strict compliance with Magna Carta for Seafarers

President Marcos ordered concerned government agencies on Wednesday to ensure stakeholders' strict compliance with the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and ensure that Filipino seafarers get the maximum benefits of the law.

- By HELEN FLORES

The President directed the Department of Transportation, the Maritime Industry Authority, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure that every provision of the law and its IRR "are not just words that appear on paper but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on."

"As we formally implement this landmark law, I urge all of us - public servants, industry leaders and maritime advocates - to embrace our roles with determination," the President said during the ceremonial signing of the IRR at Malacañang.

Marcos signed Republic Act 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers in September last year.

Marcos said the signing of the IRR - only three months after it was enacted - reinforces his administration's commitment to ensuring the welfare of Filipino seafarers.