The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the House of Representatives for its approval on third and final reading of House Bill No. 7325 (HB 7325), the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, that would advance the rights and global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers. In a statement, the CHR said that with HB 7325 the rights of Filipino seafarers will be protected before, throughout, and after their work aboard local or foreign-registered ships operating internationally. It cited that in 2021, at least 40,000 Filipino seafarers were deployed monthly and contributed more than $6.5 billion or more than 20 percent of the total remittance received in our country. “In line with international standards such as the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 ratified by the Philippines in 2012, the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers promotes rights regarding workplace safety and security; fair employment; information and communication; organizing and assembly; legal representation; and health, welfare, and medical care; among others,” the CHR said. At the same time, the CHR said the Magna Carta is also a good step towards female empowerment as it strengthens women’s meaningful participation in the maritime industry by placing measures to promote equal opportunities, fair treatment, and protection from gender-based discrimination. There is also accountability from recruitment agencies, ship owners, maritime education institutions, licensing and certification bodies, and government agencies since the Magna Carta details their responsibilities and provides protocols for the settlement of dispute, it stressed. “CHR applauds the Magna Carta’s strengthening of seafarer’s rights and thrust to improve their employment rate and competitiveness in the global market,” the CHR said. “In terms of dispute settlement, the Commission stresses the primacy of the welfare of the seafarers as the principal beneficiary of the Magna Carta,” it said