Seafarers Protection Act in full effect

REPUBLIC Act (RA) 10706, otherwise known as the Seafarers Protection Act, is now in full effect following the recent issuance by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs).

Under RA 10706, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in ambulance chasing or the act of soliciting, personally or through an agent, from seafarers, or their heirs, the pursuit of any claim against their employers for the purpose of recovery of monetary claim or benefit, including legal interest, arising from accident, illness or death, in exchange of an amount or fee which shall be retained or deducted from the monetary claim or benefit granted to or awarded to the seafarers or their heirs.