SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
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Senate Bill No. 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Since the overseas employment program began two decades ago, the 
Philippines emerged as one of the top suppliers of seafarers for the world's 
merchant fleet. Pursuant to the Constitutional provision that "the State affirms 
labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and 
promote their welfare" (Article II, Section 18), the government is mandated to 
uphold and protect the welfare of our labor force, regardless whether they are 
employed here or abroad. 
The proposed measure then seeks to fix the minimum death benefits for 
Filipino seafarers and to establish a mechanism at the Philippine Overseas 
Employment Agency which is tasked to review and realign on a regular basis the 
said minimum standard rates for death benefits which should always be at par 
with the prevailing international standards. 
The passage of this bill is recommended. 
OY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1 S 3 8 
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SEP 11 
P2 :38 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
FIXING THE MINIMUM STANDARD FOR DEATH BENEFITS TO FILIPINO 
SEAFARERS EMPLOYED OVERSEAS AND ESTABLISHING A MECHANISM 
AT THE PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR ITS 
REGULAR REVIEW AND REALIGNMENT TO PREVAILING INTERNATIONAL 
STANDARDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Death 
Benefits for Seafarers Act of 2013". 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - There is hereby declared a policy of the 
State to promote the welfare of Filipino seafarers employed overseas by setting 
up minimum standards of death benefits for seafarers at the leve! with the 
prevailing international standards. 
SEC. 3. Death Benefits. - (a) Upon effectivity of this Act, in case of death 
of a Filipino seafarer during the term of his contract, the employer shall pay his 
beneficiaries the Philippine currency equivalent to the amount of Fifty Thousand 
US Dollars (US$50,OOO.OO) at the exchange rate prevailing during the time of 
payment. 
(b) The benefits shall be separate and distinct from and in addition to 
whatever benefits which the seafarer is entitled to under the Philippine laws and 
regulations. 
(c) No benefits shall be payable in case of death resulting from a willful act 
on his fife by the seafarer; Provided, That the employer can prove that such 
death is directly attributable to the seafarer. 
SEC. 4. Reviews of Benefits. -
The Philippine Overseas and 
Employment Administration shall, upon consultation with the seafarers' union and 
associations of manning agencies and shipping companies, undertake a regular 
annual review of the death benefits provided. Under this Act and through its 
governing board, update or amend the death benefits to keep it at a level with the 
prevailing international standard. 


SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
invalid, the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
and regulations, or parts thereof contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of 
general circulation, whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,