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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate inquiry into PH's anti-trafficking programs sought

Senate inquiry into PH's anti-trafficking programs sought

Published Aug 29, 2023 02:23 pm

A resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the Philippine government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s anti-trafficking in persons program has been filed in the Senate.

 

In filing Senate Resolution No. 762, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said there is a need to also look into the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) are unreasonable and puts an additional burden on Filipino travelers. 

 

These new set of guidelines will reportedly take effect next week.

 

“The prevention of human trafficking is an inter-agency task that not only involves providing stringent requirements on international-bound Filipinos, but also proper awareness and education among Filipinos, and the apprehension of law enforcement agents and other government officials who facilitate or connive with wrongdoers,” Villanueva said.

 

“To enhance measures to effectively combat trafficking in person, there is a need to evaluate the existing programs being implemented by the government consistent with a whole-of-government approach,” he added. 

 

As far as he is concerned, Villanueva the new departure guidelines set for outbound Filipino travelers is unfair. 

 

“Daig pa po nito ang visa application sa dami ng mga kinakailangang dokumento (It even surpasses visa application processing in terms of the number of required documents),” the majority leader said.

 

Villanueva noted that the IACAT has launched programs since 2011 with its 1343 Actionline to serve as the dedicated government hotline to combat trafficking.

 

The IACAT also introduced Barangay IACAT Webinar in 2019 in an effort to reach out to local government units (LGUs), various communities and the general public to educate them on human trafficking and raise awareness among citizens on the proper procedure and venue for the filing of illegal recruitment complaints. 

 

In 2020, IACAT also partnered with Global Fund to End Modern Slavery and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center to launch the Integrated Case Management System to efficiently monitor cases of human trafficking. 

 

IACAT’s most recent initiative was on August 17, 2023 when the 2023 Revised IACAT Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Filipino Passengers was issued and which have sent almost all Filipino citizens in an uproar.

 

Various sectors and individuals have raised concern about extra burden, inconvenience and possible additional cost the new guidelines will give to travelers.

 

The revised guidelines have also raised concerns on its effect on the people's Constitutionally-guaranteed right to travel, and considering the recent reports on the involvement of law enforcement agents in facilitating trafficking in persons. 

 

“Hindi natin pwedeng balewalain ang hinaing ng ating mga kababayan. Ang mga programa ba ng gobyerno ay susugpo sa traffickers, or nagpapabigat sa lehitimong mga pasahero (We cannot ignore the grievances of our countrymen. Will the government's programs curb traffickers, or burden legitimate passengers)?" Villanueva said.

Related Tags

Senate probe joel villanueva Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act
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