Home⇛International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research⇛vol. 7 no. 7 (2026)

From Policy to Practice: The Roles of Philippine Government Agencies in Work-Related Compensation Claims of Filipino Seafarers

Jhundel RICAMONTE. Ropa

Discipline: Law

 

Abstract:

Filipino seafarers play a vital role in the maritime industry; however, many still face challenges in accessing timely and equitable compen- sation for work-related illness, injury, or death incurred during em- ployment. This study examined the roles of Philippine government agencies in addressing compensation claims, the procedural mecha- nisms they employ, and the reforms needed to strengthen the process under Republic Act No. 12021, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. This study employed an exploratory qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 10 Filipino seafarers, two beneficiaries, and five key informants from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Over- seas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor and Employment/National Conciliation and Mediation Board (DOLE/NCMB), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Public Attorney's Office (PAO). Relevant laws, policies, and agency proce- dures were also reviewed. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis framework. Findings revealed that while government agencies provide legal, welfare, administrative, regulatory, and dispute resolution support, the compensation claims system remains fragmented, procedurally complex, and burdensome for claimants. Implementation gaps persist despite RA 12021, high- lighting the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, digitalized claims processing, enhanced legal and medical support, and im- proved information dissemination. The study concludes that while the government has established institutional mechanisms to protect seafarers' compensation rights, translating policy into claimant-cen- tered practice requires significant reforms. These reforms are neces- sary to achieve a more accessible, transparent, and equitable com- pensation claims framework for Filipino seafarers.



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