Palace: Philippines does not condone forced labor

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines does not condone forced labor, Malacañang said yesterday as it rebuffed the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s proposed imposition of additional tariffs on the country over supposed failure to address the problem, which is seen to cause unfair competition.

Earlier this month, the USTR said the acts, policies and practices of 60 economies, including the Philippines, related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a ban on the importation of goods produced with forced labor is unreasonable and burdens or restricts US commerce.

For economies that impose forced labor import prohibition, or have committed to impose and enforce a prohibition through an agreement on reciprocal trade, or have imposed a partial regime with the effect of preventing the importation of certain forced labor goods, the USTR is suggesting an additional 10 percent duty.

The trade representative proposes 12.5 percent additional duty for all other economies.

Asked to comment on the USTR’s recommendations, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Philippines condemns the illegal practice as it has laws and processes designed to combat forced labor.

“The government takes this issue seriously. The government also emphasizes its longstanding stance against forced labor as well as the laws against it. The USTR report is being reviewed thoroughly and we will communicate with the officials of the US through the proper channels,” Castro said at a press briefing.