The Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers for the third time on Wednesday, despite opposition from Senators Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros.
Pimentel criticized the measure for including a new Section 59, which he argues unfairly favors foreign employers over local ones by requiring Filipino seafarers to post a bond before executing judgments.
Hontiveros echoed concerns about the bond provision, calling it discriminatory and harmful to seafarers’ rights.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, while generally supportive of the bill, expressed surprise at the last-minute inclusion of the bond requirement, questioning its origin.
The Magna Carta aims to protect over 580,000 Filipino seafarers, but the controversial provision has sparked significant debate among lawmakers.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 1, 2024
