MALACAÑANG on Monday said the government is seriously addressing a US Trade Representative (USTR) report that proposed additional tariffs after it found the Philippines failed to enforce measures to restrict imports produced with forced labor. “The government is seriously addressing this issue, emphasizing its longstanding stance against forced labor and the existing laws prohibiting it,” a Palace statement read.
The report, published by BusinessWorld, details the USTR's findings under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US to impose tariffs on countries found to be tolerating forced labor. The Palace said it is prepared to present evidence of the country's compliance with labor standards and anti-forced labor laws.
The government emphasized that it has existing laws prohibiting forced labor, including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. The Palace added that the Philippines remains committed to working with international partners to uphold labor rights and ensure that trade policies are not used as a pretext for protectionism.