June 8, 2005

Trafficking in Persons Chat

Q. Francf asked: How is human trafficking possible from the Philippines to the U.S. mainland with the vast Pacific Ocean in between?
A. Trafficking in persons is a global phenomenon. Trafficking takes place across international borders and within countries. There are, no doubt, instances of trafficking from the Philippines to the U.S., but we are not sure of any numbers.

Q. Patrick asked: Sir, Could you tell me please why wasn’t the Philippines included in the list of 14 countries?
A. The Philippines was included on the Tier 2 Watch List because the government has not moved forward with regard to prosecutions and convictions of trafficking offenses. Thanks for your question, but we are not sure what you mean by 14 countries.

Q. Joyce R asked: I have heard about the law against trafficking in persons in the Philippines. The law is nice, should it be implemented. However, as I have read it in the webpage of US consulate, the Philippines failed in coming up with sincere efforts in combating traffickers. What specifically is the program of the U.S. to address this concern of the Philippine government?
A. Thank you very much for your question. The U.S. is very worried about the Philippines and trafficking. We are working very closely with the Philippine government and NGOs to combat trafficking. The U.S., for example, is supporting excellent projects with NGOs meant to address various issues related to trafficking throughout the Philippines.

Q. PNP_Chat 3 asked: How was it considered from the report that 71,084 Philippine women who entered in Japan are believed to have been trafficked into sex trade?
A. Based on discussions with NGOs and agencies of the governments involved, it is believed that many of the Filipino women who go to Japan to be entertainers are ultimately the victims of trafficking. The Japanese government realizes this and has taken steps to protect Filipinas from trafficking.

Q. Joyce R Asked: What is the Tier 2 Watch List?
A. The U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report includes a Tier structure ranking countries by how they perform in the effort to combat trafficking. The Philippines has made some progress in this area, but more progress in the area of convictions is needed. That is why the Philippines is ranked on the Tier 2 Watch List. If you need further information on the Tiers, please refer to the State Department's web site at www.state.gov/g/tip.

Q. Eileen Macapanas Cosby asked: Would you be more specific about what NGO's and what U.S. initiatives are successful in the Philippines?
A. For example, the Visayan Forum Foundation has done an excellent job setting up halfway houses in four sites in the Philippines, including Davao and Manila. Also, the International Justice Mission is doing a superb job in trying to prosecute cases against traffickers. The U.S. government in part sponsors both VFF and IJM.

Q. Chris asked: What programs do you have in order for people here in the Philippines to be aware of trafficking?
A. The U.S. has helped sponsor a project run by the National Office of Mass Media. This project sponsors anti-trafficking public education campaigns using radio, television, web sites, etc. We believe that this project is doing a great job at broadcasting to Filipinos about the evils of trafficking.
A. From Joyce R.: One of the signs of progress in combating trafficking in the Philippines is the campaign to educate people. There is already a law passed in the Philippines against trafficking in persons. In our university (MMSU) alone, a forum was held among students for this purpose. It is commendable of course. But implementation is more crucial to eliminate trafficking.
A. You are absolutely correct that there is not enough information known about the 2003 Anti-Trafficking law. The Philippine government is trying to train its officials, including prosecutors, in the law. The U.S. is helping to support these efforts.

Q. Eileen Macapanas Cosby asked: How are the Catholic Church and other faith based organizations providing awareness to prevent trafficking?
A. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has constantly condemned trafficking. The CBCP also supported the Japanese government’s visa rule changes to protect Filipino entertainers in Japan. Other religious organizations have also played key roles in this effort.

Q. Dennis asked: What has U.S. done to help other countries combat Human Trafficking?
A. On a worldwide level, the U.S. government has supported programs worth approximately $100 million. These funds are being used for anti-trafficking projects. A more complete review of these projects is available in the Report, at www.state.gov/g/tip.

Q. Francf Commented: I think a telenovela about human trafficking is an effective education tool, given the Filipinos passion for such TV programs.
A. We think as telenovela would be an excellent idea, we will pass that to the National Office of Mass Media. We know this has been done successfully in other countries.

Q. Patrick asked: Sir, has the U.S. Government determined that there is a lot of traffic between the Philippines and the U.S. Mainland or is it mostly between S.E. Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. Thanks.
A. The U.S. government is concerned about trafficking between the Philippines and other international points such as Japan and the Middle East. The U.S. is also concerned about trafficking inside the Philippines.

Q. ASRC MSU asked: Is Human trafficking common to all places?
A. Yes. Human trafficking is an international problem. It is a problem even in the United States, which the U.S. government is trying to address.

Q. PNP_Chat 3 asked: Why is it that the possible penalty for tier 3 countries is the U.S. opposition to assistance from international financial institutions? Would it make the problem worse, because those funds, which are needed to fight poverty, which is the main cause of trafficking, will not be given to our country?
A. The first priority for the U.S. is to work with other countries as partners in a common effort to address this international problem. The U.S. has no desire to penalize anybody; however, the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act mandates sanctions against those countries that are not sincerely engaged in this anti-trafficking effort. Any sanctions put in place do not affect anti-trafficking programs.

Q. ASRC MSU asked: Are there any measures? Can you cite any?
A. President Arroyo has constantly spoken out against the evils of trafficking, and her government has done a great deal in this area, and modest progress has been made. More progress is needed particularly regarding prosecution and convictions.

From Consul: We welcome Undersecretary Balanon to this chat! She has done a fantastic job in this effort.
Lourdes Balanon - The Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking has been conducting orientation and training programs not only among government agencies and NGOs but also at the community level in coordination with NGOs like ECPAT and Visayan Forum and TUCP.

Q. Joyce R asked: How are NGOs tapped in the effort to combat trafficking in persons? I believe there are organizations that offer assistance for distressed overseas workers (e.g. Migrants).
A. Requests for project proposals are sent out to NGOs in the Philippines. NGOs that are interested respond to the U.S. Embassy with project proposals. The U.S. looks kindly on proposals from NGOs that have excellent track records.
A. From Lourdes Balanon: The law provides the participation of NGOs as they are represented in the IACAT namely the sector on children represented by ECPAT, women and OFWs. They participate in policy, program implementation, training, etc. The Government recognizes the contribution of NGOs.

Q. Eileen Macapanas Cosby asked: What is the Philippines doing to increase education and employment opportunities especially for women? Why are they encouraging employment abroad and not providing microfinance opportunities or more education in the provinces?
A. The Philippine government, assisted by USAID, is working to increase educational and employment opportunities for women and all Filipinos.

Q. ASRC MSU asked: We are concerned about all individuals; thus, some people really engaged in human trafficking that they didn’t even know its human trafficking? Does the government have any moves?
A. Many victims do not even realize that they are being trafficked until it is too late. That is why we are assisting in efforts to educate the public about the evils of trafficking.
A. Response from Undersecretary Balanon: The 10-point agenda of the President includes education and generation of employment opportunities. The NAPC in particular in coordination with DSWD, DOLE and other government agencies are giving priority to microfinance particularly for women

Q. Paul Barner asked: Through what link can NGOs with good track records, as with religious groups, submit request project proposals to the US Embassy?
A. NGOs with good track records are welcome anytime to submit project proposals to the U.S. Embassy Political Section and to USAID, including to Growth and Equity in Mindanao (GEMS).

Q. Paul Barner asked: Where do NGOs go to receive and submit request forms to the US for projects in the Philippines?
A. There is no specific form for project proposals. NGOs with good track records can send a project description, a budget, and other relevant information any time.

Q. Eileen Macapanas Cosby asked: How is the UN helping? Is the UNFPA assisting in providing funds to the Philippines?
A. The UN has taken a strong stance against trafficking. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has spoken out against trafficking on many occasions. The International Labor Organization and UNICEF are both actively engaged against trafficking in the Philippines.
A. Response from Undersecretary Balanon: Yes, the UN agencies do help, like the UNICEF in the area of child trafficking and UNFPA, which assists the DSWD and NCRFW and NGOs. DSWD is responsible in providing services to victims and will be establishing inter-agency bodies at the regional, provincial, city and municipal levels to coordinate efforts against trafficking and violence against women with UNFPA’s assistance

Q. Asrc msu asked: As a citizen in this country, what else do we need to know more about human trafficking, to also help people who are victims and to prevent it?
A. To know more about trafficking and its evils, we again reference the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, at www.state.gov/g/tip. Trafficking is a problem that affects all socio-economic levels. We urge everybody to read up further on this problem. Knowledge is power!
A. From Undersecretary Balanon: We need all the help to inform people particularly in the rural areas about the modus operandi of traffickers and the evils of trafficking, its effects on the victims; please report victims and the traffickers to appropriate government agencies so action/assistance can be provided; prevention is our priority through community education, information campaigns, etc. Volunteers are most welcome