2008-07-24 12:49:18 - President Arroyo wants domestic maritime pay and standards increased in the wake of the Princess of the Stars tragedy

Cebu

www.balitapinoy.net

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to review and revise the Philippine shipping standards to be at par with international standards so that the "brain drain" of competent Filipino seafarers is kept to a minimum, Transportation undersecretary Ma. Elena Bautista said today.

In a press conference at the Malacanang sa Sugbo (MSS) this

afternoon, Bautista said the President ordered a revision of the "salary standardization" of Filipino seafarers to match with their international counterparts so that they will be more enticed to stay and work here instead of abroad.

"The President has instructed MARINA to revise shipping standards in the Philippines kasi napaka-in demand ng ating seafarers abroad," Bautisata said.

"Kaya kailangan tingnan natin yung sweldo na binibigay ng ating mga domestic shipowners kasi kung may oportunidad ang ating mga kapitan at mga seafarers na doble o triple ang kita abroad, mas gugustuhin nilang mag-abroad kesa mag-trabaho dito," she added.

As an example, a Filipino ship captain earning up to P60,000 a month could earn as much as US$5,000 in the same capacity on a foreign owned ship.

Bautista stressed that adjusting the pay-grade of Filipino seafarers to that of their international counterparts would ensure that competent shipping crews would be hired because by then, the hiring standard for crew members would have also gone up thereby preventing "undesireables" from being hired.

Bautista also cited the possible "upgrading" of the insurance coverage for seamen to be "more comprehensive" to include better oil pollution, salvage and third party liability coverage in the event of accidents similar to that suffered by the M/V Princess of the Stars.

She said the President had instructed DoTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza to hold discussions with Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) president Winston Garcia on the possibility of the state-run pension to fund such an undertaking which she said would provide protection for those affected by shipping mishaps.
(Balita Pinoy - Philippine News & Analysis)