Human trafficking penalties set; New law sets stiff penalties for human trafficking

THE MANILA TIMES
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
By Ma. Theresa Torres

People trafficking in women and children face stiffer penalties that range from a P5-million fine to life imprisonment. On Monday President Arroyo signed into law the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, or Republic Act 9208, which is considered a landmark measure meant to protect women and children from sexual exploitation, forced labor, in the country and abroad.

The President said the new law affirms the government's resolve to prevent and suppress the lucrative but illegal trade in Filipino women and minors.

"The law assures that the lives of Filipino women and children will get better because women can exercise their rights and their children will get education" she says in a speech during the signing of R.A.9208 in Malacañang.

The law carries stiffer penalties not only against traffickers in women and children but also against users or buyers of prostituted victims.

Under R.A. 9208, anyone found guilty of violating the Anti trafficking in Persons Act shall face a penalty depending on the participation from six years to life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P 500,000 to P5 million.

The law also entitles victims or survivor to counseling, temporary shelters, health care, legal assistance and the government's witness protection program.

An interagency council will also be created, which will be composed of the Justice Secretary as chairman and the Social Welfare Secretary as co-chairman. Members will include the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Labor Secretary, the administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Immigration commissioner, The Philippine National Police chief, the chairman of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, three representatives from a non-government organization and a representative from every women's organization.

The council will draw up a comprehensive and integrated program to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons, promulgate regulations and monitor and oversee the strict implementation of the law.

By enacting R.A. 9208, the President said, the Philippines could show the international community that Filipinos " know the distinction between illegal and legitimate jobs".

This law also strengthens our republic. A strong republic is an effective state that helps the poorest of the poor and weak people, providing them the power to abolish the structure that deprives them" she said.

Among those present at the signing were Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, presidential chief of staff Rigoberto Toglao, senators led by President Franklin Drilon and Sen. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada, who sponsored the bill, congressmen and NGOs representatives.