Hanns Kelle Sarmiento Ramos

IDS 41
International Political Economy
Sir Jumel G. Estrañero
Political Economy AnalySynthesis No. 1

What’s Wrong With the Philippines’ New Anti-Trafficking Guidelines?

Micheal Beltran
September 08, 2023

NEWS TIDBITS: On September 8, 2023, the Philippines introduced new anti-trafficking

guidelines that require additional documents from travellers, causing concerns about their
impact. The article highlights the case of Lucy Ortega, a trafficking victim who suffered in
Syria after being promised a job abroad. Unfortunately, Ortega and other victims received
little help from authorities.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) released these guidelines, but
they faced backlash and were suspended due to criticism from the public and the Senate.
Critics argue that these rules burden travellers unfairly and assume they're guilty until proven
innocent. They believe the focus should be on catching human trafficking syndicates and
assisting victims instead of imposing strict regulations on tourists.

The article also mentions corruption among immigration officials and suggests it
should be addressed. Human rights lawyer Edre Olalia stresses the need to support aggrieved
travellers and trafficking victims and calls for a more proactive approach to combat
trafficking, starting with diplomatic and consular posts.

Despite the controversy, IACAT is determined to implement stricter travel restrictions

and plans to clarify the guidelines' purpose through an information campaign.

ANALYSIS: The news feature sheds light on a pressing issue in the Philippines: the
introduction of new anti-trafficking guidelines and the associated concerns. The case of Lucy
Ortega, who fell victim to human trafficking and endured a harrowing ordeal in Syria, serves
as a poignant illustration of the plight faced by trafficking victims. However, despite the
intentions behind these guidelines to combat trafficking, they have stirred controversy and
faced criticism.

One noteworthy aspect is the impact on trafficking victims like Lucy Ortega,
highlighting the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from
falling prey to traffickers. Moreover, the fact that these new guidelines have faced significant
backlash and were suspended following criticism from both the public and the Senate reveals
a deep-seated opposition to these measures. Critics argue that the guidelines unfairly burden
travellers and may not effectively address the root problem of human trafficking.

This situation raises questions about the delicate balance between national security
and individual rights, as it's crucial to prevent trafficking while avoiding the imposition of
overly strict regulations on all travellers. The mention of corruption among immigration
officials also underscores the need to address integrity issues within government agencies
tasked with enforcing anti-trafficking measures.

From a human rights perspective, the emphasis placed by lawyer Edre Olalia on
supporting victims and adopting a proactive approach to combating trafficking suggests that
prevention, victim assistance, and holding traffickers accountable should be central
components of any anti-trafficking strategy. Additionally, the government's plan to strengthen
its information campaign underscores the significance of public perception and awareness in
shaping effective policies, as explaining the purpose and necessity of the guidelines to the
public can foster understanding and support.

In sum, the article paints a complex picture of the Philippines' efforts to combat
human trafficking. While the intention behind the guidelines is commendable, the
controversy and criticism surrounding them highlight the challenges of finding a balanced
and effective approach to addressing this grave issue while respecting individual rights and
ensuring accountability.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS: To address the concerns stemming from the recent

controversies surrounding the Philippines' new anti-trafficking guidelines, a multifaceted
policy approach is imperative. Firstly, a comprehensive review and revision of these
guidelines should be undertaken to strike a better balance between preventing trafficking and
safeguarding the rights of travellers. This revision process must be inclusive, taking into
account feedback from both the public and the Senate to ensure that the guidelines are more
equitable and effective in combating trafficking. Additionally, a renewed emphasis on
prosecuting traffickers and holding them accountable for their crimes is essential. This
involves allocating adequate resources and efforts to investigate and apprehend human
trafficking syndicates and individuals involved in trafficking, such as recruiters, middlemen,
and exploitative employers.

Concurrently, anti-corruption measures should be firmly established within

government agencies responsible for immigration and anti-trafficking efforts. Corruption
undermines the effectiveness of these initiatives and must be addressed through rigorous
audits, investigations, and training programs to prevent and detect misconduct among
officials. Furthermore, a strengthened support system for trafficking victims is crucial, both
within the Philippines and abroad. This should encompass accessible channels for victims to
seek help, legal aid, medical care, and psychological counselling. Robust public awareness
campaigns are also essential to educate the public about trafficking risks, how to identify
trafficking situations, and how to report them. These campaigns should also clarify the
purpose and necessity of anti-trafficking measures to garner public support. Finally, fostering
collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) to share information and intelligence on trafficking activities is
imperative. This collaborative effort can lead to more effective prevention and intervention
strategies. In conclusion, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is paramount to
effectively combat human trafficking while ensuring the rights and welfare of travellers and
trafficking victims.

REFERENCES

CNN. (2023, April 3). BI records 6,000 victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment
from Jan to Feb.
CNN.https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/4/3/BI-human-trafficking-illegal-recruitme
nt-Jan-to-Feb-2023.

CNN. (2023, August 23). Anti-trafficking Council OKs revised guidelines for overseas
Filipino travellers. CNN.
http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/23/revised-guidelines-overseas-travel.html

The Diplomat. (2023, September 8). What’s wrong with the Philippines’ new Anti-Trafficking
Guidelines?https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/whats-wrong-with-the-philippines-new-anti-traf
ficking-guidelines/

United States Department of State. (2023, April 6). United States Department of
State.https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-trafficking-in-persons-report/philippines