NLRC Adopts Resolution to Implement Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers
The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) has passed En Banc Resolution No. 01-25, Series of 2025, marking a significant step toward the effective implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021).
Signed into law on September 23, 2024, this landmark legislation aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
The resolution mandates the formulation of internal rules and regulations to operationalize the recently issued Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
These rules are expected to align with Section 59 of the Magna Carta, ensuring the fair, equitable, and efficient resolution of seafarer-related disputes.
Reaffirming its jurisdiction over employer-employee disputes involving seafarers, the NLRC also established critical guidelines for the execution of decisions and monetary awards:
1. Explicit Monetary Awards. – Decisions must specify amounts due to seafarers, including unpaid wages, statutory benefits, disability claims, and damages such as moral and exemplary compensation.
2. Immediate Executory Awards. – Undisputed monetary awards are immediately executory, even pending appeal or judicial review. Disputed amounts require the posting of a sufficient seafarer’s bond for execution.
3. Timelines for Finality and Execution. – Decisions by the Labor Arbiter or the Commission become final and executory after 10 calendar days unless an appeal is filed.
4. Guidelines for Judicial Review. – The resolution introduces mechanisms to ensure that judicial reviews do not impede the execution of awards, including mandatory filing of petitions and the use of bonds to secure disputed amounts.
5. Reimbursement and Final Dispositions. – Prevailing seafarers are entitled to reimbursement for bond-related costs if decisions are upheld on judicial review.
The adoption of this resolution reinforces the NLRC's role in promoting the rights of Filipino seafarers while upholding the principles of justice and equity in labor relations.