Manila – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma signs the Department Order on the implementing rules pertaining to Section 59 of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on Wednesday, January 15, at the Office of the Secretary, DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila.

The Department Order prescribing the rules on execution of judgement and monetary awards was signed less than a week after the signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the said law by the Department of Migrant Workers.

Prior to the signing of the Department Order, the Technical Committee on Legislative Matters (TCLM) chaired by DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr. and Undersecretary Felipe N. Egargo Jr., conducted consultation with the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC) prior to signing to ensure that the issuance will effectively address the concerns of Filipino seafarers while promoting their welfare and rights in line with the Magna Carta's provisions. 

The Secretary reiterated the directive of the President during the ceremonial signing of the IRR last January 7 that the concerned agencies promulgate rules specific to their mandates. “This signing will form a milestone aimed at helping the seafarers and maintaining our hold in the global market as the number one seafarer-sending country,” he emphasized.

He also mentioned that there is more to be done, such as training a pool of maritime conciliator-mediators and coordinating with other agencies to implement the law efficiently.

The signing is a key step toward ensuring the attainment of high standards of protection, safety, and fair treatment for Filipino seafarers locally and across the globe.

The ILS served as the technical secretariat throughout the consultations since the formulation of the IRR. The Magna Carta was enacted in September 2024.

###