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Philippines Congress Passes Anti-Trafficking Act

The Philippines Congress passed The Anti-Trafficking Act of 2003 which covers penalties for such offenses as prostitution, slavery and sexual exploitation. In the Philippines, trafficking is now defined as the "recruitment, transfer provision, harboring, receipt or deployment of persons for the purpose of forced labor, slavery, sexual exploitation, involuntary servitude, debt bondage, physical and other forms of abuse, removal or sale of organs or involvement in armed activities or other similar acts."

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women hailed the bill as a victory. The Anti-Trafficking Act provides for a penalty ranging from 20 years imprisonment and fine from P1 million to 5 million for offenders.

For updates on the progress of implementation, see: www.trafficking.org.ph

Global News Wire. Philippine Daily Inquirer. "Senate OKs Bill VS Trafficking of Women, Kids." April 17, 2003.