Philippines elected as Vice Chair of International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare

Manila, Philippines - the country has been elected as Vice Chair of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) in Geneva.

“The Philippines, as Vice Chairman, will serve for a period of three years. Our role as Vice Chair is to attend Officers’ meeting and huddles during the sessions, in order to sort out issues and concerns in the course of the meetings,” says Philippine Overseas Employment Administration head Hans Leo Cacdac.

Cacdac led the Philippine delegation during the first meeting at the International Labor Organization in Geneva last April.

He adds that Special Tripartite Committee deliberated on the amendments to MLC 2006, including financial security on abandonment and death or long-term disability of seafarers.

“The financial security on abandonment is meant to ensure the provision of expeditious and effective system to assist seafarers in the event of abandonment, through direct access to payment of outstanding wages and entitlements, reasonable expenses including repatriation costs, costs of necessary maintenance and support. The financial security will cover seafarers, including those onboard Philippine-registered vessels, only,” expounded Cacdac.

The POEA Administrator added the financial security on death/ long-term disability is meant to assure payment of compensation in full and without delay.

Cacdac also said the Philippines supported an important proposal by Germany and approved by the Committee, that provides the Philippines flexibility in terms of recognizing the Social Security System, Employees Compensation Commission and PhilHealth systems.