Tougher action sought vs human trafficking

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March 31, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — With the recent rescue and repatriation of 176 Filipinos from Myanmar, many of whom were victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment, former senator Francis Pangilinan has called for stronger protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Pangilinan, seeking to return to the Senate in the May elections, expressed deep concern over the continued exploitation of Filipino workers abroad, emphasizing that many take extreme risks due to worsening economic conditions in the Philippines.

“The painful reality is that many of our fellow countrymen are forced to take risks by working in illegal and dangerous jobs abroad due to hunger and lack of opportunities in the Philippines,” he said.

Pangilinan strongly condemned the traffickers and illegal recruiters who take advantage of vulnerable Filipinos seeking better livelihoods.

He called on the government to intensify crackdowns on these criminal syndicates and ensure stricter enforcement of labor protections.

“Our goal should be to create a Philippines where no Filipino is forced to leave just to survive. So, there will be no more Mary Jane Velosos… there will be no more Flor Contemplacions. Hunger knows no color, and neither should the solution,” Pangilinan said, referring to OFWs who suffered while working abroad.

He emphasized the need for more proactive measures to prevent such incidents, including stricter regulations and monitoring, strengthening the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs and Migrant Workers Office oversight to detect and prevent illegal recruitment activities, faster legal assistance, ensuring that embassies and labor offices provide immediate legal aid to trafficked and abused OFWs.

“(There should be) sustainable livelihood programs – expanding reintegration programs for returning OFWs so they can find stable jobs and income sources in the Philippines and food security as a long-term solution – addressing hunger and economic desperation at home to reduce the need for Filipinos to take on high-risk jobs abroad,” Pangilinan added.

Hunger knows no political color and addressing food insecurity is key to reducing forced migration, he said.

No contradicting laws

National laws should complement local counterparts for them to be more effective in their implementation on the ground, and should not contradict each other since beneficiaries will only be on the losing end, outgoing Makati Mayor Abby Binay said.

“If you’re a mayor, it’s really frustrating to see that some of our national laws have been passed without even any consultation with local government units. They (national government) apparently don’t even know where we (LGUs) are coming from,” Binay said during her visit to the City Hall of Santo Tomas in Batangas.

The senatorial candidate from President Marcos’ Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas cited the “Solo Parents Act” as one classic example, as the law has imposed on LGUs the burden of funding the monthly allowance for solo parents.

“Let’s face it, there are many municipalities across the country who don’t have the financial capability to implement the law. Of course, they cannot give allowances to solo parents. I don’t think it’s fair (for LGUs). It was not well thought out,” she said.

Rice diplomacy

The Philippines must adopt “rice diplomacy” as a strategic approach to international relations in order to safeguard long-term food security, PDP-Laban senatorial candidate Raul Lambino proposed.

“With the country facing increasing food insecurity, the government must strengthen diplomatic efforts to secure long-term rice supply agreements with key exporters such as Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Pakistan,” Lambino said.

Lambino emphasized that rice diplomacy extends beyond securing imports, highlighting its potential to enhance cooperation, promote knowledge sharing, and integrate sustainable and innovative farming practices.

“We need the expertise and support of efficient rice-producing nations to enhance our domestic agricultural capabilities, boost local rice production, and achieve long-term food security,” the former chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority said.

Senatorial frontrunner Rep. Erwin Tulfo earlier vowed to initiate moves, for purposes of reviewing laws and regulations, in the face of skyrocketing prices of food and farm products that have impacted negatively on the lives of Filipinos, particularly the poor. — Delon Porcalla