Seafarers to DMW exec: Inhibit from Magna Carta IRR

Due to an alleged conflict of interest, a group of seafarers has asked the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina to inhibit from drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.

- By MAYEN JAYMALIN

The Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines (CSP) cited Pampolina's past association with a law firm representing manning agencies and foreign principals.

"We believe that Pampolina's involvement poses conflict of interest that must be addressed to ensure that the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers are not compromised," CSP chairman Jose Xavier Bayoneta said in a letter to DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac.

"We urge him to step back from this role and allow for a transparent IRR drafting process," Bayoneta added.

According to CSP, the drafting of the IRR appears to favor local manning agencies and their foreign principals.