We express our disappointment that Senator Raffy Tulfo invited only the wives of seafarers for consultations. The seafarers themselves — the ones directly affected — were not heard. It is us who live the realities onboard: the long contracts, exhausting work, and financial burdens. Our voices must be prioritized in any law that governs our rights and welfare.

Ratings — the largest workforce on ships — are the most affected by low base salaries and insufficient protections. Under the current system, a huge portion of our salaries is automatically sent to our allotments, leaving us with little or nothing to cover basic personal necessities onboard, such as toiletries, personal care items, small comforts, and occasional shore leave for mental health and relaxation.

Without fair pay and control over our own earnings, we are treated unjustly, even as we work far from home, sacrificing our health, time, and lives for the betterment of our families and our nation’s economy.

We demand the following:

1.     Direct consultation with active Filipino seafarers before passing laws that affect us.

2.     Reasonable onboard access to our earnings to maintain dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life during our contracts.

We ask our lawmakers: Listen to the seafarers, not just to their families. Respect our sacrifices and ensure real protection through the Magna Carta.

For our dignity, for our rights, for our families.