Philippine Maritime News

POEA chief states confirmation of MLC 2006 a big victory for Filipino mariners

Senate’s ratification of Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 was praised by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and called the approval of the law a big win for the Filipino seafarers fight for decent and just employment.

He emphasized that the adoption of MLC 2006 also means that seafarer recruitment and placement standards in the Philippines would now be align to global measuring stick.

“It means more employment for our Filipino seafarers abroad as MLC 2006 would tell foreign shipowners and manning agents that our training, recruitment and placement standards are up to global standards,” Cacdac said.

He added that the ratification of MLC 2006 by Philippine legislators would further cement the country’s title of being the world’s crewing capital aside from ensuring that our seafarers are given proper rest and accommodations.

Cacdac also stressed that the MLC 2006 would greatly improved crewing and modernization standards locally as domestic shipping companies would be given a template on how to go about with their improvements.

It is estimated that 40,000 mariners are working locally when another 400,000 are working on board foreign vessels worldwide.

A total of 22 senators voted in favor of the MLC described as a treaty which seeks to protect the rights of seafarers worldwide. It is on its third and final reading with no negative vote or abstention.

Senator Legarda, chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign relations, sponsored the Senate Resolution 829, concurring on the treaty which is seen to offer “comprehensive rights and protection for about 400,000 domestic and international Filipino seafarers.”

“Filipino seafarers can expect better working conditions and fairer terms of employment with the approval of a resolution concurring in the ratification of MLC 2006” Legarda said.

Legarda also said the concurrence on the ratification of MLC 2006 would spur the modernization of shipping fleets to comply with international standards. It will also call on governments to effectively enforce their regulatory role in ensuring safer and secure shipping, help prevent marine pollution and ensure decent work for seafarers.