PHILIPPINE SHIPPING UPDATE Published: 23 June 2026 PHILIPPINE SHIPPING UPDATE FROM DEL ROSARIO PANDIPHIL INC. : Key Changes in the New DMW Standard Employment Contract The new DMW Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for Overseas Filipino Seafarers introduce significant changes that may materially affect claims handling, compensation exposure, and dispute resolution.  The new SEC aligns itself with the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and will be effective on 3 July 2026 or 15 days after publication. Set out below are the key amendments and their practical implications. Increased Base Rate by 10%  for Disability Compensation The SEC introduces an updated base compensation: Base disability amount: US$55,000 from previous US$50,000 For example, a Grade 1 disability corresponding to 120% is now equivalent to US$66,000 from the previous US$60,000 Below is now the updated Schedule of Disability Allowances Impediment Grade Base Amount Percentage Disability Allowance (base amount x percentage) 1 US$55,000.00 120% US$66,000.00 2 US$55,000.00 88.81% 48,845.50 3 US$55,000.00 78.36% 43,098.00 4 US$55,000.00 68.66% 37,763.00 5 US$55,000.00 58.96% 32,428.00 6 US$55,000.00 50.00% 27,500.00 7 US$55,000.00 41.80% 22,990.00 8 US$55,000.00 33.59% 18,474.50 9 US$55,000.00 26.12% 14,366.00 10 US$55,000.00 20.15% 11,082.50 11 US$55,000.00 14.93% 8,211.50 12 US$55,000.00 10.45% 5747.50 13 US$55,000.00 6.72% 3,696.00 14 US$55,000.00 3.74% 2,057.00   This increase in base amount raises the baseline exposure across all disability grades. In cases where the seafarer has been assessed with two or more disabilities, the total aggregate disability benefits corresponding to the assessed disabilities shall in no case exceed the maximum compensation for Grade 1 disability or USD66,000. Payment is based on the exchange rate at the time of payment or in US Dollars at the option of the seafarer.  In case of death, the option belongs to the