Stricter anti-human trafficking law signed

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has put his stamp on the Expanded Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act that supposedly bares more teeth than the original law, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the new law aims to make the fight against human trafficking more effective, as the country remains in the United States State Department's radar as a venue that harbors the modern form of slavery.

"We’re still in the (US State Department's) watch list. We would like to improve our standing ... and we hope that, with this expanded coverage of anti-trafficking, we will be able to remove ourselves from the watchlist," he said.

The new law covers even attempted acts of trafficking and charges even accomplices and accessories to the crime.

The measure also outlaws acts related to human trafficking such as forced labor, recruitment of possible spouses for foreign individuals, hiring of children for armed activities and those who recruit persons for organ removal.

Lawmakers earlier urged the executive to immediately turn the proposed measure into law to protect those vulnerable to trafficking especially in the provinces.

"This is a concern and a priority of the President and this measure will be enforced by the different agencies, especially the Department of Justice as well as our police agencies," Lacierda added.

A recent report states that about 500,000 people are engaged in prostitution in the country.