A group of seamen trooped to the Senate on August 8, along with former Bayan Muna representative Atty. Neri Colmenares, to call on the Senate to pass the Magna Carta for Seafarers without the inserted “escrow” provision. This provision prevents seafarers from receiving compensation from cases won in the Department of Labor and Employment and other agencies, until the appeal of the shipowners and employers is over.

Colmenares said that the bond provision, which benefits ship owners’ interests, unjustly delays and may remove the hard-earned compensation of Filipino seafarers. He said compensation should be granted to the sailor immediately, even if the ship owner’s appeal is still in motion. The cases filed with the DOLE and its agencies include those related to injuries (disability) while at work and other violations of seafarers’ rights.

The proposal was passed in Congress (House Bill No. 7325) back in March. The measure outlines the rights and welfare of seafarers, like the right to educational advancement and training at an affordable cost; the right to public consultation in discussions about their jobs; the right against discrimination; the right to free legal representation; and the right to an appropriate grievance mechanism.

Bayan Muna supported it in Congress, except for the “escrow” provision inserted in Section 51 of the Magna Carta proposal.