Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Committee on Migrant Workers, welcomed the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 12021, the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” on January 8 in Malacañang.
As the principal sponsor and co-author of the law in the Senate, Tulfo emphasized that the IRR was developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders to ensure it serves the best interests of both domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers.
“Ang IRR na ito ang sisiguro na masusunod ang mahahalagang probisyon ng batas at magtitiyak na sapat na mapoprotektahan ang mga karapatan at pribilehiyo ng mga Filipino Seafarer sakaling may kaharapin silang mga problema habang ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin,” according to him.
The IRR, he added, aims to provide full employment for Filipino seafarers while promoting equal opportunities in the maritime industry, including access to education, training, and development, regardless of gender.
Tulfo further noted that the IRR recognizes shipowners, Maritime Higher Education Institutions, and recruitment entities in empowering and safeguarding Filipino seafarers.IMT
