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Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 3 7
Cc F
Quezon City .
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8789

Introduced by: “KUYA” JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Art II Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State affirms
labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and
promote their welfare

According to an article of Business Mirror dated October 4, 2018, the
Philippines has been the world’s chief supplier of seafarers since 1987. It is easy
to find Filipinos working in foreign vessels all over the world. They have
approximately remitted more than $5.8 billion to the country through banks,
remittances that really help boost the economy.

In consonance with the mandate of the Constitution, the State shall provide
legislative measures that will give overseas Filipino seafarers protection and
benefits in case of injury or death suffered by them in the course of their
employment abroad

In view thereof, the early passage of this proposed measure is highly
recommended.

“KUYA” JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO
Representative
First District of Bulacan

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

8789
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: “KUYA” JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO

AN ACT PROTECTING SEAFARERS WHO SUFFER SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH, AND THEIR FAMILIES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SEC. 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State affirms labor as a primary social economic
force, and shall afford full protection to overseas Filipino workers such as seafarers
Further, the State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen
the family as a basic autonomous social institution, especially the families of seafarers
who are separated from their loved ones working on board vessels, and risking their
health and life to earn a living.

SEC.2. Rights of Seafarer’s Heirs. — In case a seafarer suffers death/ serious injury
onboard a vessel, or at any other place outside the Philippines, the seafarer and/or his/her
heirs shall be entitled to the following:

a) A letter from the seafarer’s manning agency informing them of the fact of
death/serious injury, the circumstances surrounding the death/ serious injury, all
the benefits they are entitled to, as well as the documentary requirements to claim
said benefits to be sent within ten (10) days from the seafarer’s death;

b) A copy of the Master’s report involving the death/serious injury of the seafarer
which should be furnished within thirty (30) days from the seafarer’s death/serious
injury;

©) The duly authenticated medical/ death certificate and report of death of the
seafarer within thirty (30) days from the seafarer’s death’ serious injury;


d) The personal effects of the deceased seafarer which should be transported by air
together with the late seafarer’s remains;

e) All benefits as provided for by the POEA Standard Employment Contract, or
Collective Bargaining Agreement, whichever is higher; and

) All other documents required of the seafarer or his/her heirs to process their
benefits under law and contract, and document the fact of death/ disability/ serious
injury.

SEC.3 Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Philippines Overseas Employment
Administration shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within sixty
(60) days from its effectivity. In no case shall the absence of the implementing rules and
regulations be used as justification for the non-enforcement of this Act.

SECA. Repealing Clause. - All existing laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, modified or
repealed accordingly.

SECS. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,