U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Philippines

Philippines (Tier 2)

The Philippines is a source, transit, and destination country for internationally trafficked persons. Women are trafficked primarily to destinations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Adults and children are trafficked internally from poor, rural areas to urban centers for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced to work as domestic servants or in other unsafe or exploitative industries. The Philippines is both a destination as well as a transit country for mainland Chinese nationals trafficked to the Pacific Islands nations or to North America.

The Government of the Philippines does not yet fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. While there is no specific anti-trafficking law, penalties are appropriately severe under other relevant laws. The law prohibits forced and bonded labor by children. Convictions under the laws related to trafficking are not frequent, due primarily to the overall ineffectiveness of the judicial system. In 2001, the government increased the number of firms it closed for illegal recruitment over the previous year. In terms of protection, the government cooperates with religious organizations and other NGOs that provide social services. In some cases, the government directly provides in-kind aid. Repatriated victims receive medical aid, shelter, and financial assistance. Trafficked persons are rarely detained, jailed or deported and may request temporary residence status. Consular and diplomatic officials receive anti-trafficking training focusing on protection of exploited overseas workers. Victims can file civil suits or seek legal action against traffickers. A Witness Protection Program under the Department of Justice offers relocation and job placement assistance, but the program is under-funded and not widely known. On prevention, the government participates in a number of regional and international anti-trafficking initiatives. No new coordinated government anti-trafficking public education effort has been launched, although migrant workers receive pre-departure briefings on labor rights and abusive employment practices, and the government disseminates the names of illegal recruiters via Internet sites and posters. Although the government introduced a Strategic Plan for a National Coalition Against Trafficking in 2001, the agencies involved have not worked out implementation of the plan, nor has the government passed anti-trafficking legislation to implement and fund the plan.