SENATE Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo recently convened a consultative meeting with seafarers’ unions, manning agencies, and seafarers’ families to dispel misinformation about the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The event also was an occasion for me to reconnect with my dear friend and former travel buddy to some of the remotest places in the country—former CNN reporter Camille Abadicio Simbulan, now AMOSUP’s Head of Communications and Special Projects for Women and Young Seafarers, as well as meet strong advocates like Dr. Reno Bolivar of MarinoPH and Arianne Blanche Rocha, President of SeaFarers Family (SeaFam).
A major concern raised was the false claim that the new law would reduce seafarers’ salaries. Senator Tulfo promptly clarified that no such provision exists. The confusion appears linked to the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, which now require an 80% allotment from both basic salary and guaranteed overtime pay. Atty. Henry Zamora of AMOSUP explained that seafarers may designate multiple allottees, allowing flexibility and even enabling self-allotments for savings.
Despite these clarifications, many seafarers remain misinformed. Rocha shared that fear and distrust had spread among seafaring families, with some wrongly believing the government was making deductions. On a lighter note, Grace Gelvoleo and Myrna Durian of Women Championing Seafarer Families proudly said they receive 100% allotments from their husbands. The audience responded with amusement when it was suggested that those complaining might be individuals with secondary families or partners.
Tulfo also addressed allegations that some manning agencies manipulate foreign exchange rates during remittances. Capt. Antonio Ladera III of ALMA assured the public that the law requires the prevailing exchange rate to be applied, clearly reflected in pay slips. Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac further warned that unauthorized deductions are unlawful and could lead to agency penalties.
To protect seafarers’ rights, Tulfo directed manning agencies, with DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration support, to intensify information and education campaigns and ensure accurate communication about the Magna Carta’s true provisions.
