DMW decries 'ambulance chasing,' seeks reforms to protect seafarers

DMW decries 'ambulance chasing,' seeks reforms to protect seafarers
Marita Moaje June 10, 2025 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251884

MANILA – Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Tuesday denounced the exploitative legal practice of "ambulance chasing" and called for urgent and collaborative reforms in handling labor disputes involving Filipino seafarers.

Speaking at the induction of new officers of the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Cacdac emphasized the government's commitment to protect Filipino seafarers amid the global challenges and advancement in the maritime workforce.

Cacdac said the DMW is strengthening its Quick Action Teams, stressing that disputes should first go through conciliation, a less stressful and more humane process than litigation.

“In these uncertain times, we must be clear in our commitment. The maritime sector is the backbone of global trade. That’s why the government and private sector must stand united in supporting our seafarers, especially on the things that confront them,” he added.

"Ambulance chasing" occurs when lawyers, or their firms actively convince victims of accidents, or even individuals involved in big legal issues, to allow them to file cases on their behalf. They would promise the biggest settlement possible, instead of negotiating with them.

This practice is prohibited under Section 3 of Republic Act 10706 or the Seafarers Protection Act.

Seafarers’ abandonment

Cacdac also cited the latest International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) report on seafarer abandonment and emphasized the need for stronger coordination between the government and the private sector to address such issues.

The ITF’s report said 2024 was the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment, with 3,133 seafarers abandoned by ship owners, compared to 1,676 in 2023.

The report showed that Filipino seafarers are the fourth most abandoned with 273. India topped the list at 899.

Established in 2006, the Maritime Labour Convention states that abandonment occurs when a shipowner fails to cover the cost of the seafarer’s repatriation; or has left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; or has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer, including failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two months.

The ITF said abandoned seafarers can experience months of unpaid wages, extremely poor on-board conditions, inadequate food and clean drinking water, and long periods of work without proper rest.

In some cases, they are left completely stranded for months and sometimes, even years.

Cacdac said the DMW’s push for reform is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make government services more responsive and impactful.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants government to be more relevant than ever and have a direct impact on the lives of people. Gusto namin ilapit sa inyo (We want to bring it nearer to you), to better the lives of seafarers and their families who are the backbone of our industry,” he said.

The PJMCC, a key partner of the government, comprises manning agencies that deploy thousands of Filipino seafarers to Japanese shipping companies.

Japan currently operates nearly 3,000 vessels with over 45,000 Filipino crew members, including 32,000 from 77 PJMCC-affiliated companies across various ship types. (PNA)