EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE
04:20 pm
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 10364, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE 
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, 
ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE 
PROTECnON AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Trafficking in persons remains a significant issue in the Philippines, with a vast 
majority of victims being women and girls. In 2019, there were 1,443 victims of trafficking 
in case officially reported to the authorities. Studies conducted reveal patterns in these 
cases of trafficking - nearly all victims of trafficking come from economically- 
disadvantaged communities, the trafficking syndicates are supported by other interlinked 
syndicates such as those involved in passport falsification and airport control, the internet 
and its technologies are now used as a gateway for the recruitment, grooming, and sexual 
exploitation of victims.
The 2020 Trafficking in Persons in the Philippines Report by the U.S. State 
Department recognized the efforts of the Philippine government in meeting the minimum 
standards for the elimination of trafficking, there are still policy gaps that need to be 
addressed and updates to the previous Anti Trafficking in Persons in law that need to be 
institutionalized.
This bill proposes several innovations and features. It recognizes the use of online 
and digital platforms as a means to commit the crime of trafficking in persons and 
expands the definition of trafficking in persons to include the online sexual exploitation 
of a child. It imposes penalties on private fecilities such as internet service providers, 
financial intermediaries, transport services including their online applications, that


knowingly allow the use of their facilities, whether digital or physical, for purposes of 
trafficking. It increases mechanisms and resources for law enforcement units, local 
government units, national agencies and non-government organizations, to help them 
perform their mandate to prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers and provide protecOon 
for trafficked victims. It expiidtiy prohibits convicted alien sex offenders from entering 
the country. It expands the list of qualified offenses to the crime of anti-trafficking in 
persons, and in light of the pandemic and our recent experiences with disaster and 
emergencies, imposes higher penalties when the crime is committed during a crisis, 
disaster, or emergency situation, or when the trafficked person is a survivor of a disaster 
or a human-induced conflict
Hence, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought
RISA HONTIVEROS' 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
)
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SENATE 
S.B. No. 1929
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
202(171
November
DATE
*
KDEX
EILtS
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 10364, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE 
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, 
ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSIXTUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE 
PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR US VIOLATIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in Congress 
assembled:
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Sec. 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9208 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SECnON 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared that the State 
values the dignity of every human person and guarantees the respect of 
individual rights. In pursuit of this policy, the State shall give highest priority 
to the enactment of measures and development of programs that will 
promote human dignity, protect the people from any threat of violence and 
exploitab'on, eliminate trafficking In persons, and mitigate pressures for 
involuntary migration and servitude of persons, not only to support 
trafficked persons but more importantly, to ensure their recovery, 
rehabilitation, and reintegration into the mainstream of society IN A 
MANNER THAT IS GENDER RESPONSIVE.
"It shall be a State policy to recognize the equal rights and inherent human 
dignity of women and men as enshrined in the United Nations Universal 
Declaration on Human Rights, United Nations Convention on the Elimination 
of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, United Nations Convention 
on the Rights of the Child AND ITS OPTIONAL PROTOCOLS, United 
Nations Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and their Families, 
United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime Including 
its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, 
Especially Women and Children; ILO CONVENTION NO. 182,


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CONCERNING THE PROHlBXnON AND IMMEDIATE ACTION FOR
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THE ELIMINATION OF THE WORST FORMS OF CHILD LABOR; and
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all other relevant and universally accepted human rights Instruments and
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other International conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory."
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IN ALL ACTIONS CONCERNING CHILDREN, THEIR BEST
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INTERESTS SHALL BE THE PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION.
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Sec. 2. Section 3 Is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used In this Act:
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"(a) Trafficking In Persons - refers to the recruitment, obtaining, hiring,
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providing, offering, transportation, transfer, maintaining, harboring, or
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receipt of persons with or without the victim's consent or knowledge, within
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or across national borders by means of threat, or use of force, or other
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forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of
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position, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the person, or, the giving
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or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person
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having control over another person, OR THROUGH THE USE OF ONLINE
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OR DIGITAL PLATFORMS, for the purpose of exploitation which includes
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at a minimum, the exploitation or the prostitution of others, or the
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engagement of others for pornography, or other forms of sexual
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exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery, servitude or the removal or
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sale of organs.
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'The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, adoption or receipt of
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a child for the purpose of exploitation or when the adoption is induced by
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any form of consideration for exploitative purposes, AS WELL AS THE
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ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD shall also be considered
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as 'trafficking in persons' even If it does not involve any of the means set
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forth In the preceding paragraph.
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XXX
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(h) Sexual Exploitation - refers-to participation-by o person-ln-prostitutieoy
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pemegfaphy-Qp-tho-production -of-pomograph^in- cxchango-for money,-
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profit-or-any-othcr considerotion-or-where tho-poftleipation-is-couGGd or
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fodlitated-by-any-means-of intimidation or threat,-u50-of force;-or other
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forms-of-coofcion-abduction,-fTaudrdcccption7-dGbt-bQndagG, obusc of
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powGf-or-of-pooition-or -of- Icgal-procc^, -taking-advantago of the
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vutnerability-of-the-personror-giving-orfGcoiving of-paymcnfarer-benGfits to
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aehieve-thG-conscnt-of a pcrson-having-control-over another porson,i-oHn
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^ MEANS ANY ACTUAL OR ATTEMPTED ABUSE 
OF A POSITION OF VULNERABILITY. DIFFERENTIAL POWER. OR
TRUST. FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES OR LEWD DESIGNS. INCLUDING.
BUT NOT LIMITED TO. PROFITING MONETARILY. SOCIALLY OR
POLITICALLY FROM THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF ANOTHER.
WHERE THE EXPLOITATION PERTAINS TO AN ADULT SEXUALLY
EXPLOITING A CHILD THROUGH THE USE OF THE INTERNET OR
THE ONLINE PLATFORM. THE SAME SHALL BE REFERRED TO AS
ONUNE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD.
(i) Pornography - refers to any representation through publication, 
exhibition, cinematography, Indecent shows. Information technology, or by 
whatever means, of a person engaged in real or simulated explidt sexual 
activities or any representation of the sexual parts of a person primarily for 
sexual purposes; Provided, that "child pomoaraDhv*r REFERS TO ANY 
REPRESENTATION. WHETHER VISUAL AUDIO. OR WRITTEN
COMBINATION THEREOF. BY ELECTRONIC. MECHANICAL,
DIGITAL. OPTICAL. MAGNETIC OR ANY OTHER MEANS. OF CHILD
ENGAGED OR INVOLVED IN REAL OR SIMULATED EXPLICIT
SEXUAL ACTIVITY. EXPLICIT SEXUAL ACTIVITY. INCLUDES
ACTUAL OR SIMULATED SEXUAL INTERCOURSE OR LASCIVIOUS
ACT INCLUDING. BUT NOT LIMITED TO. CONTACT INVOLVING
GENITAL TO GENITAL. ANAL TO GENITAL. OR ORAL TO AND ANAL.
WHETHER BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME OR OPPOSITE SEX;
BESTIALITY: MASTURBATION: SADISTIC OR MASOCHISTIC 
ABUSE; LASCIVIOUS EXHIBITION OF THE GENITALS. BUTTOCKS.
BREASTS. PUBIC AREA AND/OR ANUS; OR USE OF ANY OBJECT OR
INSTRUMENT FOR LASCIVIOUS ACTS 
Sec. 3. Section 4 Is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 4. Acts of Trafficking In Persons. - It shall be unlawful for any person, 
natural or juridical, to commit BY MEANS OF THREAT. OR USE OF 
FORCE. OR OTHER FORMS OF COERCION. ABDUCTION. FRAUD.
DECEPTION. ABUSE OF POWER OR OF POSITION. TAKING
ADVANTAGE OF THE VULNERABILITY OF THE PERSON, OR. THE
GIVING OR RECEIVING OF PAYMENTS OR BENEFITS TO ACHIEVE
THE CONSENT OF A PERSON HAVING CONTROL OVER ANOTHER
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gEBSON«_QR_ THROUGH THE USE OF ONUNE OR DIGITAL
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PLATFORMS, any of the following acts:
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"(a) To recruit, obtain, hire, provide, offer, transport, transfer, maintain,
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harbor, or receive a person by any means. Including those done under the
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pretext of domestic or overseas employment or training or apprenticeship,
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for the purpose of prostitution, pornography, or sexual exploitation,
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FORCED LABOR. SLAVERY. INVOLUNTARY SERVITUPE OR DEBT
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BONDAGE:
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XXX
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"(h) To recruit, hire, adopt, transport, transfer, obtain, harbor, maintain,
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provide, offer, receive or abduct a person, by-mcans-of threat or uso-ef
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farecrfraudrdeeeit-violcncc, coercion, or-intimidation for the purpose of
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removal or sale of organs of said person;
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Sec. 4. Section 5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"SEC. 5. Acts that Promote Trafficking in Persons. -The following acts which
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promote or facilitate trafficking in persons, shall be unlawful:
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"(a) To knowingly lease or sublease, use or allow to be used any house,
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building or establishment; or any VEHICLES OR CARRIERS BY LAND,
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SEA 
AND AIR! AND ANY OF THEIR ONLINE OR DIGITAL
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PLATFORMS AND APPLICATIONS for the purpose of promoting
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trafficking in persons;
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"fb'i FOR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS. INTERNET CONTENTS
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HOSTS. AND ANY SUCH SIMILAR 
SERVICE PROVIDERS IN
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INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SECTOR. TO KNOWINGLY
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ALLOW THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE
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OF PROMOTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS;
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FOR INTERNET CAFES AND KIOSKS. INCLUDING
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ESTABLISHMENTS OFFERING WI-FI ACCESS SERVICES TO THE
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PUBLIC. TO KNOWINGLY ALLOW ITS FACILITIES TO BE USED FOR
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THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS;
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"(d) 
FOR FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES, INCLUDING, NOT
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LIMITED TO BANKS AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES AND MONEY
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TRANSFER OR REMITTANCE CENTERS. TO KNOWINGLY ALLOW
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ITS SERVICES. INCLUDING ITS ONUNE PLATFORM AND
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APPLICATIONS TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING
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TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS;


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1XEL(^ To produce, print and issue or distribute unissued, tampered or 
fake counseling certificates, registration stickers and certificates of any 
government agency which issues these certificates and stickers as proof of 
compliance with government reguiatory and pre-departure requirements for 
the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons; 
wfF) fe) To advertise, publish, print, broadcast or distribute, or cause the 
advertisement, publication, printing, broadcasting or distribution by any 
means, including the use of information technology and the internet, of any 
brochure, flyer, or any propaganda material that promotes trafficking in 
persons;
"(H) (f) To assist in the conduct of misrepresentation or fraud for purposes 
of facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary exit documents 
from government agencies that are mandated to provide pre-departure 
registration and services for departing persons for the purpose of promoting 
trafficking in persons;
m(§)To facilitate, assist or help in the exit and entry of persons from/to 
the country at International and local airports, territorial boundaries and 
seaports who are in possession of unissued, tampered or fraudulent travel 
documents for the purpose of promoting trafficking In persons;
TO KNOWINGLY FACILITATE. ASSIST OR HELP IN THE 
ENTRY OF PERSONS TO THE COUNTRY AT INTERNATIONAL AND
LOCAL AIRPORTS. TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES AND SEAPORTS
WHO ARE CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS IN ANY JURISDICTION:
To confiscate, conceal, or destroy the passport, travel documents, or 
personal documents or belongings of trafficked persons in furtherance of 
trafficking or to prevent them from leaving the country or seeking redress 
from the government or appropriate agencies;
"no ffl To knowingly benefit from, financial or otherwise, or make use of, 
the labor or services of a person held to a condition of involuntary servitude, 
forced labor, or slavery;
"(L) 0) To tamper with, destroy, or cause the destruction of evidence, or 
to influence or attempt to influence witnesses, in an investigation or 
prosecution of a case under this Act;
"(M) (k) To destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate or possess, or attempt to 
destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate or possess, any actual or purported 
passport or other travel, immigration or working permit or document, or any
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other actual or purported government Identification, of any person in order
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to prevent or restrict, or attempt to prevent or restrict, without lawful
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authority, the person's liberty to move or travel in order to maintain the
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labor or services of that person; or
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*(N) (I) To utilize his or her office to impede the investigation, prosecution
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or execution of lawful orders in a case under this Act."
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Sec. 5. Secb'on 6 Is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"SECTION 6. Qualified Trafficking in Persons. - Violations of Section 4 of
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this Act shall be considered as qualified trafficking:
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"(h) WHEN THE OFFENDER COMMITS ONE OR MORE VIOLATIONS
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OF SECnON 4 OVER A PERIOD OF SIXTY (60) OR MORE DAYS,
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WHETHER THOSE DAYS ARE CONTINUOUS OR NOT;
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"(i) WHEN THE OFFENDER DIRECTS OR THROUGH ANOTHER
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MANAGES THE TRAFFICKING VICnM IN CARRYING OUT THE
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EXPLOITATIVE PURPOSE OF TRAFFICKING!
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"(j) WHEN THE CRIME IS COMMITTED DURING A CRISIS,
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DISASTER. OR EMERGENCY SITUATION. OR WHEN THE
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TRAFFICKED PERSON IS A SURVIVOR OF A DISASTER OR A
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HUMAN-INDUCED CONFUCT;
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"(k) WHEN THE TRAFFICKED PERSON BELONGS TO AN
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INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY AND IS CONSIDERED AN INDIGENOUS
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PERSON;
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"(I) WHEN THE TRAFFICKED PERSON IS A PERSON WITH
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DISABILITY: OR
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"(m) WHEN THE CRIME HAS RESULTED IN PREGNANCY."
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Sec. 6. Section 8 is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"SECTIONS. Prosecution AND INVESTIGATION of Cases.-
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"fAT PROSECUTION. Any person who has personal knowledge of the
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commission of any offense under this Act, such as the trafficked person, the
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parents, spouse, siblings, children or legal guardian may file a complaint for
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trafficking.
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"rBV INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION. - LAW ENFORCEMENT
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AGENCIES ARE MANDATED TO IMMEDIATELY INITIATE
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INVESTIGATION AND COUNTER-TRAFFICKING-INTELLIGENCE
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GATHERING UPON RECEIPT OF STATEMENTS OR AFFIDAVIT FROM


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VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING. MIGRANT WORKERS. OR THEIR
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FAMILIES. AND OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE KNOWLEDgE OR
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INFORMATION ABOUT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS CASES.
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"fCV PLEA BARGAINING WHERE OFFENDED PARTIES ARE
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MINORS. PLEA BARGAINING OF CASES INVOLVING OFFENDED
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PARTIES WHO ARE MINORS MUST BE DEALT WITH UTMOST
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PRUDENCE. AND MAY BE DONE ONLY WHEN IN THE BEST
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INTEREST OF THE CHILD. WHERE THE ACCUSED ARE PARENTS OR
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RELATIVES OF THE OFFENDED PARTIES. PLEA BARGAINING MAY
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BE ALLOWED ONLY AFTER AN ASSESSMENT BY THE COURT
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SOCIAL WORKER THAT THE PLEA BARGAINING SHALL BE TO THE
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CHILD'S BEST INTEREST.
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"E. AFFIDAVIT OF DESISTANCE. - CASES INVOLVING
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TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED BASED
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ON THE AFFIDAVIT OF DESISTANCE EXECUTED BY THE VICTIMS
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OR THEIR PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
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PROSECUTORS ARE DIRECTED TO OPPOSE AND MANIFEST
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OBJECTIONS TO MOTIONS FOR DISMISSAL. ANY ACT INVOLVING
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THE MEANS PROVIDED IN THIS ACT OR ANY ATTEMPT THEREOF
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FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECURING AN AFFIDAVIT OF DESISTANCE
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FROM THE COMPLAINANT SHALL BE PUNISHABLE UNDER THIS
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ACT.
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"F. VENUE. - A CRIMINAL ACTION ARISING FROM A VIOLATION
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OF THIS ACT SHALL BE FILED WHERE THE OFFENSE WAS
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COMMITTED. OR WHERE ANY OF ITS ELEMENTS OCCURRED. OR
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WHERE THE TRAFFICKED PERSON ACTUALLY RESIDES AT THE
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TIME OF THE COMMISSION OF THE OFFENSE; PROVIDED. THAT
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THE COURT WHERE THE CRIMINAL ACTION IS FIRST FILED SHALL
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ACQUIRE JURISDICTION TO THE EXCLUSION OF OTHER COURTS.
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Sec. 7. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 9208 Is hereby deleted, and a new Sections
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9 shall read as follows:
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SECTION 9. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRIVATE
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SECTOR. INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS. INTERNET CONTENT
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HOSTS AS DEFINED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9775. INTERNET CAFES
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AND KIOSKS AS DEFINED UNDER REPUBUC ACT NO. 9775.
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ESTABLISHMENTS OFFERING WIFI AND OTHER ANALOGOUS
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SERVICES; FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES INCLUDING BANKS AND
CREDIT CARP COMPANIES. MONEY AND REMITTANCE CENTERS.
AND___OPERATORS___OF FINANCIAL MOBILE PAYMENT
APPUCATIOWS; TOURISM ENTERPRISES AS DEFINED UNDER
REPUBLIC ACT 9593 AND MALLS AND OTHER FAdUTlES OPEN
AND CATERING TO THE PUBLIC FOR ANY PURPOSE; TRANSPORT
SERVICES. INCLUDING PUBLIC CARRIERS AND MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION ON LAND, AIR AND SEA, AND TRANSPORT
NETWORK VEHICLE SERVICES rTNVSl. AND OTHER BUSINESS
AND PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS, SHALL PREVENT THEIR
FACILITIES. INCLUDING BOTH PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ONLINE AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS. FROM
BEING UTILIZED IN VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
ACT.
THESE ENTITIES SHALL IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO RELEVANT
AUTHORITIES ANY FACTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT COME
WITHIN THEIR PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE GIVING RISE TO
VIOLATIONS OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT: PRESERVE DATA
AND EVIDENCE IN RELATION TO VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT FOR
PURPOSES OF INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION BY RELEVANT
AUTHORITIES; AND TAKE POSITIVE MEASURES TO PROMOTE
AWARENESS AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS.
INTERNET CAFES AND KIOSKS AS WELL AS ESTABLISHMENTS
OFFERING WIFI AND OTHER ANALOGOUS SERVICES SHALL
INSTALL AND UPDATE PROGRAMS AND SOFTWARE DESIGNED TO
DETECT SEXUALLY EXPUCIT ACTIVinES INVOLVING CHILDREN. 
AND ENSURE THAT ACCESS TO OR TRANSMITTAL OF SUCH
MATERIALS WILL BE BLOCKED OR FILTERED.
INTERNET CAFES AND KIOSKS. MONEY TRANSFER AND
REMITTANCE CENTERS. TRANSPORT SERVICES. TOURISM
ENTERPRISES. TRANSPORT SERVICES. AND MALLS AND OTHER
FACILITIES OPEN AND CATERING TO THE PUBLIC SHALi
PROMOTE AWARENESS AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
THROUGH CLEAR AND VISIBLE SIGNAGES IN BOTH ENGLISH AND
THE LOCAL DIALECT. WITH LOCAL AND NATIONAL HOTLINES
POSTED WITHIN THEIR FACILITIES.
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EBQNTUWE EMPLOYEES OF THESE PRIVATE ESTABUSHMgwrg
WHO ARE LIKELY TO INTERACT WITH VICTIMS AND SUSPECTS OF
HUMAN TRAFFICKING. SHALL BE PROVIDED GENDER-
SENSmVlIY AND CHILD PROTECTION TRAININGS. WHICH 
SHALL INCLUDE TRAININGS ON IDENTIFICATION OF
TRAFFICKING RED FUGS AND REPORTING. PURSUANT TO A
TRAINING CURRICULUM PRESCRIBED BY THE COUNCIL. 
NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONTRUED AS AN
AUTHORITY TO BREACH THE PROVISIONS OF THE DATA PRIVACY
ACT, PROVIDED THAT ANY REPORT MADE TO AUTHORITIES AND
PONE IN GOOD FAITH SHALL EXEMPT INDIVIDUAL WHO MADE
THE REPORT FROM ANY CIVIL OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY ARISING
FROM THIS ACT.
Sec. 8. Section 10 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"PENALTIES AND SANCnONS. - THE FOLLOWING PENALTIES AND 
SANCTIONS ARE HEREBY ESTABLISHED FOR THE OFFENSES 
ENUMERATED IN THIS ACT:
XXX
(I) ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES SECTION 9 HEREOF SHALL SUFFER 
THE PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS AND ONE DAY 
TO SIX YEARS AND A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND 
PESOS BUT NOT MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS.
(J) WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF THE 
PERSON OR PERSONS WILFULLY REFUSING TO PERFORM THE 
RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER SECTION 9 OF THIS ACT, JURIDICAL 
PERSONS OWNING OR MANAGING THE AFOREMENTIONED 
ENTERPRISES SHALL BE SUBSIDIARILY LIABLE, AND SHALL BE 
IMPOSED A PENALTY OF A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE 
HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00) TO ONE MILLION 
PESOS (P1,000,000.00} AND A REVOCATION OF THEIR LICENSE 
OR PERMIT TO OPERATE.
Sec. 9. Section 16 Is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION 16. Programs that Address Trafficking In Persons. - The 
government shall establish and Implement preventive, protective and 
rehabilitative programs for trafficked persons. For this purpose, the


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following agencies are hereby mandated to Implement the following 
programs:
”(a) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) - shall make available its resources 
and facilities overseas for trafficked persons regardless of their manner of 
entry to the receiving country, and explore means to further enhance its 
assistance in eliminafa'ng trafficking activities through closer networking with 
government agencies in the country and overseas, particularly in the 
formulation of policies and implementation of relevant programs. IT SHALL 
PROVIDE FILIPINO VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING OVERSEAS WITH
FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND COUNSEL TO PURSUE LEGAL
ACTION AGAINST HIS OR HER TRAFFICKERS. REPRESENT HIS OR
HER INTERESTS IN ANY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 0 R
PROSECUTION. AND ASSIST IN THE APPLICATION FOR SOCIAL
BENEFITS AND/OR REGULAR IMMIGRATION STATUS AS MAY BE
ALLOWED OR PROVIDED FOR BY THE HOST COUNTRY. THE DFA
SHALL REPATRIATE TRAFFICKED FIUPINOS WITH THE CONSENT
OF THE VICTIMS.
"The DFA shall take necessary measures for the efficient Implementation of 
the ELECTRONIC PASSPORTING SYSTEM to protect the Integrity of 
Philippine passports, visas and other travel documents to reduce the 
Incidence of trafficking through the use of fraudulent identification 
documents.
"IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND
EMPLOYMENT. IT SHALL PROVIDE FREE TEMPORARY SHELTERS
AND OTHER SERVICES TO HLIPINO VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
OVERSEAS THROUGH THE MIGRANT WORKERS AND OTHER
OVERSEAS FILIPINOS RESOURCE CENTERS ESTABLISHED
OVERSEAS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8042. AS AMENDED.
It shall establish and implement a GENDER-SENSITIVE pre-marriage, on­
site and pre-departure counseling program on Intermarriages.
"IN COORDINATION WITH THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION fBI^
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE fPOJT THE DFA SHALL
ENSURE THAT ALL CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS IN ALL
JURISDICTIONS OR THOSE LISTED IN THE REGISTRY OF SEX
OFFENDERS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED
ENTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES. IT SHALL DISALLOW ENTRY OF
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H?RGIGN NATIONALS WHO HAVE BEEN BUVCKUSTED OR PLACED
IN THE WATCHUST STATUS FOR HAVING COMMITTED SEX
OFFENSES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN. OR SIMILAR
ACTIV1HES AS TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS, IN ANY
JURISDICTION.
THE FOLLOWING FOREIGN NATIONALS OR ALIENS MAY BE
EXCLUDED FROM ANY FORM OF TRAVEL. VISIT. ENTRY. OR
PASSAGE THROUGH THE PHILIPPINES OR ANY AREA WITHIN
WHICH THE PHILIPPINES EXERCTSES JURISDICTION: 
mANY ALIEN WHO HAS COMMITTED ANY OFFENSE BY REASON OF
HIS/HER OMISSION OF AN OBLIGATION TO PROTECT OR RESCUE
A WOMAN AND/OR CHILDREN. OR TO REPORT A CRIME
COMMITTED AGAINST THE SAME. IN VIOLATION OF ANY
NATIONAL. STATE. OR DOMESTIC LAW RELATED TO ANY ACT OF
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS. WHETHER IN HIS/HER STATE OF
CITIZENSHIP OR ANY STATE OR TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES:
f2)ANY AUEN WHO IS IN CONFUCT WITH THE LAW. WHETHER IT
IS IN THE LAW OF THE STATE OF HIS/HER CITIZENSHIP OR IN
ANY OTHER STATE OR TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OUTSIDE 
THE PHILIPPINES. OR HAS A PENDING CASE. WHETHER
ADMINISTRATIVE. CIVIL. OR CRIMINAL BEFORE ANY POLICE.
PROSECUTORIAL. QUASI-JUDICIAL. OR JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES.
RELATED TO ACTS SIMILAR OR ANALOGOUS IN NATURE TO ACTS
PENALIZED IN SECTIONS 4 AND 5 OF THIS ACT. AS WELL AS ACTS
THAT. HAD THEY BEEN COMMITTED IN MAY CONSTITUTE
VIOLATIONS OF THE SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
AGAINST CHILD ABUSE. EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION
ACT fR.A. No. 7610^; THE LAW ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE
CHILD LABOR fR.A. No, 7658); THE ANTI-RAPE LAW OF 1997
fR.A. No. 8353); THE LAW ON THE PROHIBITION OF HAZARDOUS
CHILD LABOR fR.A. No. 9231^! THE ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT fR.A. No. 92621: THE ANTI-
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ACT fR.A. No. 9775V THE ANTI-PHOTO
AND VIDEO VOYEURISM ACT (R.A. No. 9995); THE SAFE SPACES
ACT fR.A. No. 11313): AS WELL AS OTHER SEX OFFENSES. SEX-
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RELATED OFFENSES. AND SPECIFIED OFFENSES_AGAINST
WOMEN AND/OR CHILDREN,
FURTHERMORE. THE DFA, THE BL AND THE DOJ SHALL DEVELOP
MECHANISMS TO ENSURE THE TIMELY. COORDINATED. AND
EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO CROSS-BORDER CASES OF
TRAFFICKING! RECOMMEND MEASURES AND UNDERTAKE 30INT
ACnvmES TO enhance cooperative EFFORTS AND MUTUAL
ASSISTANCE AMONG FOREIGN COUNTRIES THROUGH BILATERAL
AND/OR MULTI-LATERAL ARRANGEMENTS TO PROMOTE THE
REGISTRATION OF TRAFFICKING AND SEX OFFENDERS AND
THEIR NOTIFICATION TO PERSONS CONCERNED; ADOPT
MEASURES AND POLICIES TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND NEEDS
OF VICTIMS WHO ARE FOREIGN NATIONALS OR WHO ARE
STATELESS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOREIGN NGOs CARING
FOR AND PROTECTING VICTIMS; INITIATE TRAINING PROGRAMS
IN IDENTIFYING AND PROVIDING THE NECESSARY MEASURES
FOR INTERVENTION OR ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OR NGOs
PROTECTING VICTIMS.
”(b) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - shall 
Implement rehabilitative and protective programs for trafficked persons. It 
shall provide counseling and temporary shelter to trafficked persons and 
develop a system for accreditation among NGOs for purposes of establishing 
centers and programs for intervention in various levels of the community. 
IT SHALL ESTABLISH FREE TEMPORARY SHELTERS. FOR THF 
PROTECnON AND HOUSING OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS TO
PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING BASIC SERVICFS! 
m TEMPORARY HOUSING AND FOOD FACILITIES!
(2) PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT AND COUNSELING:
fSI 24-HOUR CALL CENTER FOR CRISIS CALLS AND TECHNOLOGY-
BASED COUNSELING AND REFERRAL SYSTEM:
f4) COORDINATION WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITIES!
AND
(5) THE DSWD MUST CONDUCT INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS IN
COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS TEACHING PARENTS AUn
FAMILIES THAT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION IN EXCHANGE FOR 
ADOPTION IS PUNISHABLE UNDER THE LAW. FURTHERMORE.
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INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS MUST BE CONDUCTED WITH THE
police that they must not induce poor women to give
THEIR CHILDREN UP FOR ADOPTION IN EXCHANGE FOR
consideration,
”(c) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - shall ensure the strict 
Implementation and compliance with the rules and guidelines relative to
STANDARD LABOR CONDITIONS AND the employment of persons 
locally and overseas ACROSS ALL SECTORS. It shall likewise monitor, 
document and report cases of trafficking In persons Involving employers and 
FORMAL/INFORMAL labor recruiters ACROSS ALL SECTORS. 
PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FACILITATION AND LIVELIHOOD
OPPORTUNIITES TO TRAFFICKED VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS. IT
SHALL ASSIST IN THE PROSECUTION OF EMPLOYERS HIRING
TRAFFICKED FOREIGN NATIONALS. IN COORDINATION WITH
THE DFA. IT SHALL PROVIDE FREE TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND
OTHER SERVICES TO FILIPINO VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
THROUGH THE MWOFRC UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8042.
"(d) Department of Justice (D03) - shall ensure the prosecution of persons 
accused of trafficking and designate and train special prosecutors who shall 
handle and prosecute cases of trafficking. It shall also establish a 
mechanism for free legal assistance for trafficked persons, in coordination 
with the DSWD, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and other NGOs and 
volunteer groups. THE D03 SHALL CONDUCT TRAININGS AND 
CONTINUOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON INVESTIGATION AND
PROSECUTTOR FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND OTHER
RELATED OFFENSES FOR PROSECUTORS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICERS. RECOMMEND THE NEGOTIATION OF MUTUAL LEGAL
ASSISTANCE AND EXTRADITION TREATIES TO OTHER COUNTRIES
IN COORDINATION WITH THE DFA; COORDINATE WITH
INTERNATIONAL POLICE AUTHORmES FOR THE PROSECUTION 
OF HUMAN TRAFFICKERS WITH A CROSS-BORDER ELEMENT;
INSmUnONAUZE BORDER CONTROL MECHANISMS TO
ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND COORDINATE
WITH AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE ANTI-MONEY
LAUNDERING COUNCIL fAMLCJ ON CASES OF TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS WITH POSSIBLE MONEY LAUNDRY UNDERPINNINGS.
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"(e) Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) - shall actively participate and 
coordinate in the formulation and monitoring of policies addressing the issue 
of trafTicking In persons In coordination with relevant government agencies. 
It shall likewise advocate for the Inclusion of the Issue of trafficking In 
persons in both its local and international advocacy for women's issues, (a) 
"(0 Bureau of Immigration (BI) - shall strictly administer and enforce 
immigration and alien administrab'on laws, INCLUDING THE 
PROHIBITION AGAINST THE ENTRY OF CONVICTED SEX
OFFENDERS. It shall adopt measures for the apprehension of suspected 
traffickers both at the place of arrival and departure, ENSURE STRONGER 
BORDER PROTECnON AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
INCLUDING BUT NOT UNITED TO THE REGULATION OF VISA
UPON ARRIVALS, and shall ensure compliance by the Rlipino 
fiances/fiancees and spouses of foreign nationals with the guidance and 
counseling requirement as provided for in this Act 
"(g) Philippine National Police (PNP) and NATIONAL BUREAU OF 
INVESTIGATION fNBII-shall be the primary law enforcement agencies 
to undertake surveillance, investigation and arrest of individuals or persons 
suspected to be engaged in trafficking. They shall closely coordinate with 
each other and with other law enforcement agencies to secure concerted 
efforts for effective investigation and apprehension of suspected traffickers. 
They shall also establish a system to receive complaints and calls to assist 
trafficked persons and conduct rescue operations. THEY shall also 
COORDINATE WITH THEIR FOREIGN COUNTERPARTS AND WITH
INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CASES OF TRAFFICKTNn
WITH A CROSS-BORDER ELEMENT. AND IN CASES OF ONI TNP
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN WHERE THE PERPETRATOR
IS A FOREIGN NATIONAL LOCATED OUTSIDE THE PHIUPPINPg.
"(h) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and 
OVERSEAS WORKERS AND WELFARE ADMINISTRATION fOWWA)
- POEA shall Implement Pre-Employment Orientation Seminars (PEOS) 
W.HILE pre-departure orientation seminars f PDOSI SHAi I
BE-CONDUCTED by the OWWA. It shall likewise formulate a system of
providing free legal assistance to trafficked persons.
riHE PQEA SHALL CREATE A BLACKLIST OF RECRUITMENT
AGENCIES, ILLEGAL RECRUITERS AND PERSONS FACING
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ADMINISTRATIVE. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL COMPUINTS FOR
TRAFFICKING FILED IN THE RECEIVING COUNTRY AND/OR IN
THE PHILIPPINES. THIS BLACKUST SHALL BE P OSTED IN
CONSPICUOUS PLACES IN CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
AND SHALL BE UPDATED BI-MONTHLY.
t*THE BLACKLIST SHALL UKEWISE BE POSTED BY THE POEA IN
THE SHARED GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM. WHICH IS
MANDATED TO BE ESTABUSHED UNDER REPUBUC ACT NO. 8042.
AS AMENDED.
"THE LICENSE OR REGISTRATION OF A RECRUITMENT AGENCY
THAT HAS BEEN BLACKLISTED MAY BE SUSPENDED BY THE POEA
UPON A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED AGAINST SAID
AGENCY.
"(i) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - shall 
Institute a systematic information and prevention campaign In coordination 
with pertinent agencies of government as provided for In this Act. IN
COORDINATION WITH THE lACAT. IT SHALL PROVIDE CAPACITY-
BUILDING AND AWARENESS-RAISING PROGRAMS TO LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY-BASED TRAFFICKING 
EDUCATION PROGRAM AND TO ENSURE WIDE UNDERSTANDING
AND APPLICATION OF THIS ACT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
IT SHALL PROVIDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS WITH A MODEL
ORDINANCE TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND OTHER
FORMS OF EXPLOITATION AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. 
wm COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS - SHALL CONDUCT
PRE-DEPARTURE COUNSELING SERVICES FOR FILIPINOS IN
INTERMARRIAGES. INCLUDING AN ORIENTATION ON HUMAN
TRAFFICKING AND OTHER FORMS OF EXPLOITATION.
REPORTING MECHANISMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE
VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS; MAINTAIN A WATCH LIST DATABASE
OF FOREIGN NATIONALS WITH A HISTORY OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE. INVOLVEMENT IN TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS. MAIL-
ORDER-BRIDE SCHEMES. CHILD ABUSE. AND SEXUAL ABUSE. IT
SHALL DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF ACCREDITATION OF NGOs THAT
MAY BE MflRTI T7ED FOR PURPOSES OF CONDUCTING PRE-
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PJPARTURg CQUNSEIUNG SERVICES FOR FIUPlNOS tw
INTERMARRIAGES. AS SUCH. IT SHALL ENSURE THAT THF
COUNSELORS CONTEMPLATED UNDER THIS ACT SHALL HAVE THE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OF GUIDANCE
COUNSELORS AS PROVIDED FOR BY LAW.
"IT SHALL LIKEWISE ASSIST IN THE CONDUCT OF INFORMATION
CAMPAIGNS AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN COORDINATION WITH
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS. THE PHIUPPINE INFORMATION
AGENCY. AND NGOs.
"(iO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH fPOm - SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE
BiSOURCES AND FACILITIES IN PROVIDING HEALTH CARE TO
VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING. WHICH SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE HELD
CONFIDENTIAL. IT SHALL LIKEWISE DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE
PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS FOR THE
REMOVAL OR SALE OF ORGANS. IT SHALL ALSO UNDERTAKE
ACnVlTlES TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON TRAFFICKING
IN PERSONS FOR THE REMOVAL OR SALE OF ORGANS. WHICH
MAY INCLUDE. BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO. AWARENESS AMONG
MEDICAL PRACrmONERS. FAMILY AND PATIENT INFORMATION
AND EDUCATION. PUBLIC EDUCATION. AND ADVOCACY
CAMPAIGNS. IT SHALL ALSO RENDER ASSISTANCE IN THE
INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS FOR THE REMOVAL OR SALE OF ORGANS. AS WELL AS
TRAFFICKING OF INFANTS BORN IN HEALTH FACIUTIES.
"fL^ DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY fPICT^ - SHALL EXTEND ASSISTANCE FOR THE
PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING FACILITATED BY
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY.
ESPECIALLY ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN;
ENFORCE POLICIES REQUIRING ISPs TO UPDATE THEIR
INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION FOR THE DETECTION AND
PREVENTION OF TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED HUMAN TRAFFICKING;
AND ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION_AGENClES
IN THE INVESTIGATION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS THROUGH
THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOCTAL MEDIA.
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r-'f-l'r
-tm DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION . (PQTR)„_-?HALl, 
DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM ANP AWARENESS
CAMPAIGN TO ASSIST ALL TRANSPORTATION gECTQJlS,
INCLUDING TRANSPORT NETWORK VEHICLE SERVICES (TNVSj^
AND TRANSPORTATION PERSONNEL. SUCH AS AIRLINE FUGIjl
ATTENDANTS. AIRPORT AGENTS. TAXI AND BUS DRIVERS, TNVS
DRIVERS. TRUCKERS. TRAIN AND DELIVERY DRIVERS, AND
PASSENGER BOAT CREW IN IDENTIFYING VICTIMS OF
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND REPORTING INCIDENTS OF 
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS.
*fN^ DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM fPOT) - IN COORDINATION
WITH THE lACAT AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES. SHALL FORMULATE ANP IMPLEMENT PREVENTIVE
MEASURES AGAINST SEX TOURISM PACKAGES AND THE USE OF
TOURISM ENTERPRISES AS SITUS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING; 
DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM, INCLUDING POLICIES
AND GUIDELINES. TO ADDRESS ANP PREVENT TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS IN THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY AND IN
PLACES OF AMUSEMENT.
IT SHALL ALSO ENSURE THAT RELEVANT NATIONAL ANP J.OCAL
LABOR STANDARDS AND PRACTICES ARE BEING FOLLOWED AND
ADOPTED WITHIN THE TRAVEL ANP TOURISM INDUSTRY AND IN
PLACES OF AMUSEMENT.
*fO^ DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION fPEPED^ - SHALL PROVIDE
MEASURES TO PREVENT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN
EDUCATIONAL INSmUTIONS. SUCH AS THE CONDUCT OF
INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
REPORTING MECHANISMS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM CONSISTENT
WITH ITS CHILD PROTECTION ANP GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS. THE DEPEP SHALL ALSO DEVELOP A TEACHER
TRAINING MANUAL AND MODULES/CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS
AIMED AT AWARENESS-RAISING AND THE PREVENTION OF
CASES OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS.
IN COORDINATION WITH THE lACAT. THE COMMISSION ON
HIGHER EDUCATION fCHEDV THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY fTESPA^. AND CIVIL SOCIETY
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ACTORS. THE PEPEP SHALL IMPLEMENT A SCHOOL-BASED
IBAEHCKINg___PREVENTIVE___EDUCATION___PROGRAM TO
ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES; 
m EDUCATE CHILDREN AND YOUTH ABOUT FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
CONCERNING LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT. LIBERTY. AND HUMAN
SECURITY. AS WELL AS OTHER ESSENTIAL RIGHTS;
(2^ ORIENT CHILDREN AND YOUTH ABOUT THE DANGERS OF
INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC TRAFFICKING IN ITS VARIOUS
FORMS. INCLUDING. BUT NOT LIMITED TO. ILLEGAL
RECRUITMENT. UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES. INVOLUNTARY
SERVITUDE. SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND PROSTlTUnON. AND
CHILD LABOR;
(3^ PROVIDE CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH INFORMATION ON
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AGENCTES AND
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO AID AND PROTECT
VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS; 
f4^IDENTIFY CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHO HAVE BEEN OR ARE
CURRENTLY VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND REFER
THEM TO THE PROPER AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION FOR
PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION; AND 
f51 ESTABLISH A SAFE AND PROACTIVE TRAFFICKING REPORTING
MECHANISM THAT ALLOWS MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL
COMMUNITY TO REPORT SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED CASES OF
HUMAN TRAFFICKING WITHIN THE SCHOOL.
THE SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM SHALL COVER ALL STUDENTS
ENROLLED IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSmES. AND TECHNICAL OR VOCATIONAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
"fP^ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE fPA^ AND BUREAU OF
FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES (BFART - SHALL INSTITUTE
A SYSTEMATIC INFORMATION AND PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN
COORDINATION WITH PERTINENT AGENCIES OF GOVERNMENT
AS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ACT. IT SHALL PROVIDE CAPACITY
BUILDING PROGRAMS TO ITS REGIONAL. CITY. AND MUNICIPAL
UNITS. IN COORDINATION WITH THE lACAT AND OTHER
CONCERNED AGENCIES. IN ENSURING WIPE UNDERSTANDING
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AND APPLICATION OF THIS ACT TO THE AGRICULTURE AND
FISHERIES SECTOR AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. THEY SHALL
ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT ANTI-TRAFRCKING INIHATIVES
FROM THE NATIONAL TO THE LOCAL LEVELS. THEY SHALL ALSO
ESTABLISH A SYSTEM TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND CALLS TO
ASSIST TRAFraCKED PERSONS AND FAgUTATE REFERRAL TO
THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY.
"fOl PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD fPCGl - CONSISTENT WITH ITS
MANDATE TO PERFORM MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE.
MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT. MARITIME SAFETY. AND
MARITIME SECURITY. IT SHALL UNDERTAKE REGULAR
INSPECTIONS. SURVEILLANCE. INVESTIGATION AND ARREST OF
INDIVIDUALS OR PERSONS SUSPECTED TO BE ENGAGED IN
TRAFnCKING AT SEA. THEY SHALL CLOSELY COORDINATE WITH
OTHER LAW enforcement AGENCIES JO. SECURE concerted
EFFORTS FOR EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATION AND APPREHENSION
OF SUSPECTED TRAFFICKERS. THEY SHALL ALSO ESTABLISH A
SYSTEM TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND CALLS TO ASSIST
TRAFFICKED PERSONS AND CONDUCT RESCUE OPERATIONS. IT
SHALL PROVIDE CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMS TO ITS
REGIONAL. CITY. AND MUNICIPAL UNITS, IN COORDINATION
WITH OTHER CONCERNED AGENaES. IN ENSURING WIDE
UNDERSTANDING AND APPUCATION OF THIS ACT AT THE LOCAL
LEVEL THEY SHALL ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT ANTT-
TRAFFICKING INmATIVES FROM THE NATIONAL TO THE LOCAL
levels.
"(r) Local government units (LGUs) - shall monitor and document cases of 
trafficking in persons in their areas of jurisdiction, PROVIDE A system 
OF REPORTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES! PROVIDE BASIC
SERVICES FOR THE PREVENTION. RESCUE. RECOVERY.
REHABILITATION. AND REINTGRAHON AND AFTER-CARE
SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF TRAFRCKING AND THEIR FAMILIES!
AND ESTABUSH A SEPARATE AND SPECIALIZED CENTRE FOB
TRAFFICKED VICTIMS.
LGUS SHALL ALSO ENACT ORDINANCES OR ISSUANCES AIMED AT
PROVIDING PROTECnON AND SUPPORT TO TRAFFICKED
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PERSONS AND THEIR FAMILIES; PRESCRIBE COMPLIANCE WITH
miS-ACT AS.REQWSXTE FOR THE ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF
UCENSES AND PERMITS TO ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN ITS
lURISDICnON. WHICH MAY INCLUDE INTERNET SERVICE
PROVIDERS, INTERNET CONTENT HOSTS, INTERNET CAFES AND 
ESTABUSHMENTS OFFERING Win SERVICES. TOURISM
■ENTERPRISES AND MALLS. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.
HNANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES, AND TO EFFECT CANCELLATION OF 
UCENCES FOR VIOLATIONS. IT SHALL ALSO STRENGTHEN.
ACTIVATE AND MOBIUZE EXISTING COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSON AT EVERY LGli LEVEL.
I.6.US SHALL ALSO UNDERTAKE INFORMATION CAMPAIGN
AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS.INCLUDING BUT NOT
JJMITED TO THE CONDUCT. ORIENTATION. AND SEMINARS. AND
THE ESTABUSHMENT OF THE MIGRANTS ADVISORY AND
information network (MAIN) DESKS IN MUNiaPAUTIES OR 
PROVINCES IN COORDINATION WITH DILG. PIA. CFO. NCOS AND 
OTHER CONCERNED AGENCIES AND SHALL ENCOURAGE AND
SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES WHICH ADQR^gg
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS STARTING AT THE BARANGAY LEVEL. 
THROUGH A HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTIVE EDUCATION
PROGRAM THAT AIMS TO EDUCATE AND ORIENT THE PURI Tr 
AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE SERVICES THAT MAY RP 
AVAILED OF FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS. 
fS)_ NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS - TM
COORDINATION WITH THE lACAT. SHALL DEVELOP A procpiim
FOR. THE PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS WTTH 
PISABILITIES AND FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF PWDs WHO APF
VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING;
Q3-NATIONAL COMMISSION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES - tm 
COp.RDlNATION WITH THE lACAT. SHALL DEVELOP A PRQRPAM
FOR THE PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING IN IN INDIGENOIIC
PERSONS AND IN INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COM Ml IMTTTFC-
LUy,OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE - NATIONAL DISASTER
REDUCTIPW ANp MANAGEMENT COUNCIL - IN COORDINATION 
yWTH lACAT, the OCD-NDRRMC SHALL DEVELOP GUIDELINES
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FOR THE PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN
EMERGENCY. DISASTER, PANDEMIC AND CRISIS SITUATIONS. AS 
WELL AS MANDATE THE LOCAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
MANAGEMENT OFFICE fLPRRMQVANP COUNCIL fLPRRMC) TO
DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO PREVENT AND PROTECT THE SURVIVORS
OF DISASTER OR CONFUCT FROM TRAFHCKING IN PERSONS.
m PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION - IN
COORDINATION WITH lACAT AND THE DOLE, SHALL DEVELOP
GUIDELINES TO MONITOR PHILIPPINE OFF-SHORE GAMING
OPERATOR f POGOl OUTFITS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT. IT SHALL ALSO MONITOR GAMING
AND AMUSEMENT VENUES TO PREVENT SEX TRAFFICKING AND 
PROSECUTE VIOLATORS
(W) PHILIPPINE CENTER ON TRANSNATIONAL CRIME — SHALL
UNDERTAKE STRATEGIC RESEARCH ON THE STRUCTURE AND
DYNAMICS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS WITH TRANSNATIONAL
CRIME DIMENSION, PREDICT TRENDS AND ANALYZE GIVEN
factors for the FORMULATION OF INDIVIDUAL AND 
COLLECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR THE PREVENTION AND DETECTION
OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND THE APPREHENSION OF
CRIMINAL ELEMENTS INVOLVED; STRENGTHEN INFORMATION
gXCHANGE ON TRAFraCKING IN PERSONS WITH GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIgS, FOREIGN COUNTERPARTS AND INTERNATTONAI
ORGANIZATIONS.: SERVE AS THE FOCAL POINT tm
INTERNATIONAL-------ENFORCEMENT COORDTNATION r»M
IRAFPICKING in persons PARTICULARLY WITH THE INTER Pm
AND COOPERATION WITH REGIONAL AND INTFRNATrnMa.
FOREIGN COUNTERPARTS; AND. PROMOTE FORMULATION ANn
DEVELOPMENT QF TRAINING COURSES IN RPIATION Tn
COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS;
LX) COUNCI4 FQR the welfare OF CHILDREN fCMn - SHAI,!
integrate in its development AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWnp ifc 
ISSUES AND CONCERNS AFFECTING TRAFFICKING IN f!HTl hdcm
AND ensure the adoption op such frameworks by THc 
LSUS AND other stakeholders: vigorously AnvnrATc 
ASAIRST trafficking of rnT.nqEN; IMpRnvP njlTA
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TRAFFICKING IN CHILDREN THROUGH INTEGRATION OF
CRITICAL AND RELEVANT INDICATORS INTO THE MONITORING
SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN; ADOPT POUaES AND MEASURES THAT
WILL PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF
CHILDREN VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING AND COORDINATE AND
MONITOR THEIR IMPLEMENTATION! AND. ADDRESS ISSUES ON
TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN THROUGH POLICY AND PROGRAM
INTERVENTIONS.
Sec. 10. Section 19 Is amended as follows:
"Section 19. Trafficked Persons Who are Foreign Nationals. -Subject to the 
guidelines issued by the Council, trafficked persons In the Philippines who 
are nationals of a foreign country shall also be entitled to appropriate 
protection, assistance and services available to trafficked persons under this 
Act, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF INTERPRETERS, AND 
COORDINATION WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE EMBASSIES; Provided 
That they shall be permitted continued presence In the Philippines for a 
length of time prescribed by the Department of Justice as necessary to 
effect the prosecution of offenders.
Sec. 11. Section 20 of Republic Act No. 9208 Is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SECnON 20. INTER-AGENCYCOUNGL AGAINST TRAFFICKING. - There 
Is hereby established an Inter-agency council against trafficking, to be 
composed of the Secretary of the Department of Justice as Chairperson and 
the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development as co­
chairperson and shall have the following as members:
"(a) Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs;
"(b) Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment;
"(c) Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government; 
rfPJ SECRETARY. DEPARTMENT OF HEAl.TH 
XE).SECRETARY, department of INFORMATTOM AMr>
communications TECHNOLOGY;
HF) SECRETARY, department OFTRANSPORTATTOM.
!IG) SECRETARY. DEPARTMENT OF TQURTSI^;
XH) SECRETARY. DEPARTMENT OF EDlirATTnfi?
"(I) Administrator, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; 
"(J) ADMINISTRATOR, OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE 
ADMINISTRATOR;
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"(K) commissioner, Bureau of Immigration;
"f U COMMANDANT. PHIUPPINE COAST GUARD:
"(M) Chief, Philippine National Police;
"(N) Chairperson, Philippine Cdmmlsslon on Women;
"(O) Chairperson, Commission on Rllpinos Overseas;
"(P) Executive Director, Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes; 
"fOI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF
CHILDREN;
y'(K) DIRECTOR. NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION;
AND
"(S) Three (3) representatives from NGOs, who shall Include one (1) 
representative each from among the sectors representing women, 
overseas Rllpinos, and children, with a proven record of involvement 
in the prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons. These 
representatives shall be nominated by the government agency 
representatives of the Council, for appointment by the President for 
a term of three (3) years.
'The members of the council may designate their permanent 
representatives who shall have a tank not lower than an assistant 
secretary or its equivalent to meetings, and shall receive emoluments 
as may be determined by the Council In accordance with existing 
budget and accounting rules and regulations."
Sec. 12. Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9208 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION 21. Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the 
following powers and functions:
"(a) Formulate a comprehensive and Integrated program to prevent and 
suppress the trafficking in persons, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT of 
SCHOOL-BASED AND COMMUNITY-BASED HUMAN TRAFFlCRINfi
PREVENTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS;
”(b) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of this Act;
"(c) Monitor and oversee the strict implementation of this Act;
(d) Coordinate the programs and projects of the various member agencies 
to effectively address the Issues and problems attendant to trafficking in 
persons;
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"(e) Coordinate the conduct of massive information dissemination and 
campaign on the existence of the law and the various Issues and problems 
attendant to trafficking through the LGUs, concerned agencies, and NGOs;
(0 Direct other agencies to immediately respond to the problems brought 
to their attention and report to the Council on action taken;
(g) Assist in filing of cases against individuals, agencies, institutions or 
establishments that violate the provisions of this Act;
(h) Formulate a program for the reintegration of trafficked persons In 
cooperation with DOLE, DSWD, Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), LGUs and 
NGOs;
(i) Secure from any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality 
of the government or from NGOs and other civic organizations such 
assistance as may be needed to effectively Implement this Act;
(j) Complement the shared government Information system for migration 
established under Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the "Migrant 
Workers and Overseas Rlipinos Act of 1995" with data on cases of 
trafficking in persons, and ensure that the proper agencies conduct a 
continuing research and study on the patterns and scheme of trafficking In 
persons which shall form the basis for policy formulation and program 
direction;
(k) Develop the mechanism to ensure the timely, coordinated, and effective 
response to cases of trafficking in persons;
(l) Recommend measures to enhance cooperative efforts and mutual 
assistance among foreign countries through bilateral and/or multilateral 
arrangements to prevent and suppress international trafficking in persons;
fMl COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION
AND TRANSPQRTATIOfl-AW&-COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
fOQTG DICn. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY fOTlV IN
MONITORING THE PROMOTION OF ADVERTISEMENT OF
TRAFFICKING IN THE INTERNET;
(n) Adopt measures and policies to protect the rights and needs of trafficked 
persons who are foreign nationals in the Philippines;
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(0) Initiate training programs In IdenOfylng and providing the necessary 
Intervention or assistance to trafficked persons; and
(р) Exercise all the powers and perform such other functions necessary to 
attain the purposes and objectives of this Act.
Sec. 13^. Section 24 of Republic Act No. 9208 Is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 24. Other Services for Trafficked Persons. -
(a) Legal Assistance. - Trafficked persons shall be considered under the 
category "Overseas Rllpino In Distress" and may avail of the legal assistance
created by Republic Act No. 8042, subject to the guidelines as provided by 
law.
(b) Overseas Rllpino Resource Centers. - The services available to overseas 
Rlipinos as provided for by Republic Act No. 8042 shall also be extended to 
trafficked persons regardless of their Immigration status in the host country.
(с) The Country Team Approach. - The country team approach under 
Executive Order No. 74 of 1993, shall be the operational scheme under 
which Philippine embassies abroad shall provide protection to trafficked 
persons insofar as the promotion of their welfare, dignity and fundamental 
rights are concerned.
REINTEGRATTOM DDfV2Dam 
___________
)F TRAFf______
EERgPWSf K>R THE IMMEDIATE family, and for Tr^p
COMMONm AT lARGE. THE rrptp must iwciiinp THF
EQllQWING MAJOR PROGRAM rOMPQWEWTjg*
£1). CAPAPIUTY ENHAWCFMRNT FOR SERvrrE providprc.
SHAg COVER COSTS FOR auxiliary services
XXCTIMSfWTTNESSEgf--------- _WHICH_______rwcLUPEg
IBANSPQRTATION,-------BOARD AND LQncTn^ff|
BOCUMEWTATION and OTHER IWCIPEWTAL EXPENSE*!.
£3}- UPGRADE OF temporary SHELTERS;
£^ IMPLEMENTATXQN OF THE national rfperral
AMP VPPATINff ANP MAINTENANCE of the natiowai
RECOVERY AND REINTEGRatton database. Awn
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fg) APVQCACY.
Sec. M. Section 32, or the Repealing Clause, Is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SECTION 32. Repealing Clause. - ARTICLE 202 OF THE REVISED 
EEWAL CODE, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10158. IS
DEEMED REPEALED. LIKEWISE. SECTION 4 fCl m OF REPUBLIC
ACT NOi 10175 IS DEEMED REPEALED. All laws, acts, presidential 
decrees, executive orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations 
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed 
amended, modified, or repealed accordingly, provided that this Act shall not 
In any way amend or repeal the provisions of Republic Act No. 7610, 
otherwise known as the 'Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, 
Exploitation and Discrimination Act'."
Sec 15. EffectivitY. — This Act shali take effect fifteen (15) days after publication 
14 In the Offidal Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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