After years of deliberations on the bills aimed at implementing the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), there is a good chance this will pass Congress approval. The bill is a much-awaited piece of legislation for the Filipino seafarer, touted as one of this archipelago's 'Bagong Bayani' (new hero).

A careful reading of the bills indicates the application of the proposed legislation on Filipino seafarers, rightly so as it stipulates their basic rights as enunciated in MLC 2006. However, the most important component of the convention appears to be missing in the draft bills - those to whom the exercise of the rights granted to the seafarers are entrusted - the government, shipowners, manning agencies.