Filipino seafarers from Ukraine arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on March 8, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official on Tuesday said he hopes that the proposed bill which guarantees the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers would be enacted into law as soon as possible.

In a Palace briefing, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega appealed for the swift passage of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers after fresh attacks on the mariners.

Two Filipino seafarers were killed in a recent attack by Houthi rebels on the bulk carrier MV True Confidence navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The incident was the first Houthi attack that resulted in fatalities. 

In November last year, 17 Filipino seafarers were among the hostages in a hijacked ship on the Red Sea. They have yet to be released.

DFA working on release of seafarers held by Houthis, Iran

Marcos condoles with families of slain seafarers in Houthi attack

De Vega, however, said that he respects the desire of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and some lawmakers to improve the proposed law.

Malacañang has explained that the ceremonial signing of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers — which was supposed to happen last February — did not push through because the measure still needs further review.

"We fully respect the president and the legislators’ desire to improve the bill as it is. But we'd certainly like a law passed," De Vega said.

Marcos certified the enactment of the proposed measure as urgent last September 2023 "to address recurring deficiencies in the domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers, which endanger their employment in the European market in particular, and the global maritime arena, in general."

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