PH cracks down on forced-labor goods

MANILA, Philippines — Three government agencies have teamed up to strengthen the Philippines’ campaign against the importation of goods produced through forced labor, an issue at the center of a United States investigation that could lead to higher tariffs on Philippine exports.

Under a joint administrative order (JAO) signed on Thursday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) agreed to establish a mechanism for investigating imports suspected of having been produced through forced labor.

READ: PH to appeal higher US tariffs, assures compliance with labor laws

This measure is intended to strengthen government oversight of such goods, even as the Philippines does not have an explicit ban on imports made with forced labor.

“No worker should suffer exploitation for goods to become cheaper or more competitive,” Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said at the signing on Thursday. “This JAO helps ensure that Filipino workers and enterprises are not disadvantaged by imported products produced through forced labor.”

The JAO creates an inter-agency committee chaired by the DTI, with Dole as vice chair. The DOF, Bureau of Customs, Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority will serve as members.

The JAO will involve coordination with foreign governments that track companies linked to forced labor.

An investigation may be initiated only after a complaint is filed against a specific company.

The DTI said the new rules would not impose additional burden on importers or exporters.

READ: Dole: Over 200,000 kids pulled out of child labor over past 3 years

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the JAO would primarily protect local manufacturers, while hoping it would also demonstrate to US authorities that the Philippines does not import goods produced through forced labor.

“We are not only after the exemption,” Rodolfo said. “Of course, we are embarking on this because we believe that this will be beneficial to the Philippines in the first place … because products that have forced labor components could also provide undue advantage to products.” INQ