Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution seeking to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the reported cases of women being trafficked abroad to become surrogates as part of an infant trafficking scheme.

Hontiveros filed on Oct. 10 Senate Resolution (SR) No. 1211, which directed the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to look into the matter.

According to the resolution, 20 Filipino women were recruited online, and most were aware of the expectations of their labor abroad.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said that at least 13 Filipinas were currently pregnant. They cannot be rescued and repatriated as they are in Cambodian hospitals.

He warns that many are falling victim to fraudulent job opportunities and are ending up as surrogate mothers or scammers.

"The outbound human trafficking of these 20 women was facilitated by a Philippine agency, making it utmost importance to identify lapses in law enforcement to effectively crackdown on human trafficking schemes," she said.

She added that an investigation is crucial to identify gaps in current legislation including but not limited to Republic Act (RA) No. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, to prevent the proliferation of this new form of human trafficking scheme in the country.

Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo said that they immediately coordinated with De Vega to monitor the situation and ensure that proper assistance will be given to the distressed Filipinas.

"It is unfortunate to hear reports of 20 Filipino women who informed their families of decision to become OFWs  in Thailand, only to end up falling victim to human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Cambodia through surrogacy or 'babymaking'," he said in a statement.

Tulfo added that De Vega assured him that DFA was doing its best to assist them. 

He was also told that the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh will exhaust all means to facilitate their repatriation once cleared by Cambodian authorities.

"Maghahain din ako ng isang resolution in aid of legislation upang masusing imbestigahan ito sa Senado at mapanagot ang lahat ng sangkot sa illegal scheme na ito (I will also file a resolution in aid of legislation in order to thoroughly investigate this in the Senate and hold accountable all those involved in this illegal scheme)," he said.