The Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as Amended by Republic Act No. 10022 17 June 2010 No.10-005 Background On 8 March 2010 amendments to the Filipino Migrant Workers Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 8042) (MWA) lapsed into law. The amendments took effect fifteen days after publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation, which occurred in April. However, for the effective implementation of the amended MWA the relevant government departments and agencies are required within sixty days after its publication, to formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the law's implementation. The International Group (IG) understands that the administration intends to finalise the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR) before the term of the current administration ends on 30 June 2010. The IG has been closely monitoring the development of the amendments to the MWA in the Philippines and has highlighted areas of concern to key parties involved in the negotiations since the IG does not qualify as an interested stakeholder and has not therefore directly participated in the consultation process. The Joint Manning Group (JMG), composed of manning industry associations, represented the sea based sector in the negotiations with the Philippine government on the amendments to the MWA and was informed of the IG's concerns throughout the process. The major areas of concern to the IG arising out of the amendments related to provisions that it would be unlawful to impose a compulsory and exclusive arrangement whereby seafarers are required to undergo health examinations from specifically designated clinics; or undergo training, seminars, instruction or schooling of any kind, only from specifically designated institutions, entities or persons; and most importantly requirements for minimum compulsory insurance cover to be obtained for seafarers for benefits additional to those available under the provisions of the POEA standard employment contract