Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva during one of the proceedings in the Senate. Senate PRIB file photo / Voltaire F. Domingo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified Senate Bill No. 2221, otherwise as Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, as urgent.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva confirmed this to the media on Monday evening.
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In a letter shared by Villanueva to reporters, Marcos said he is is seeking the immediate enactment of the bill to address “recurring deficiencies in our domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers.”
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According to Marcos, the bill also guarantees to the international community that the Philippines will comply with its obligations of ensuring that the country’s training, facilities, and equipment are at par with international standards.
SBN 2221 is currently pending on Second reading in Senate.