Section 60Sec./Art. 60

Prohibition on Appearances and Fees. - Non-lawyers may act as legal representatives of seafarers or appear on their behalf at any stage or in any proceeding before labor tribunals including the NLRC, Labor Arbiter, conciliation and mediation in the NCMB or voluntary arbitration, DMW, and other quasi-judicial bodies unless they represent themselves, their organizations, or the members thereof.

A stipulation on fees shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the compensation or benefit which may be received by or awarded to the seafarer or his successors-in-interest pursuant to Republic Act No. 10706, otherwise known as the "Seafarers Protection Act". Any contract, agreement or arrangement to the contrary shall be null and void.

Legal representatives of seafarers shall submit an Entry of Appearance, with attached notarized certification and Affidavit of Undertaking containing the following averments:

(a) They shall not charge the seafarer a contingent fee of more than ten percent (10%) of the compensation which may be awarded to the seafarer; and

(b) They shall not lead or borrow money from the seafarers, or participate in usurious lending practices, and shall not directly or indirectly recommend, endorse, or facilitate loans with lending individuals or companies connected to seafarers.

Any amount in excess of ten percent (10%) received or collected by the legal representative of the seafarer shall be held in trust for the seafarer.

CHAPTER XII

REPATRIATION FOR OVERSEAS SEAFARERS