The government has established an inter-agency committee to investigate and disallow imports made with forced labor. The committee will be led by the Department of Trade and Industry, with the Department of Labor and Employment as its vice-chair.
The Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs, Board of Investments, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority will also be part of the committee. It will be responsible for receiving, evaluating, and investigating complaints related to imported goods suspected of being produced through forced labor.
The committee has the authority to issue recommendations based on its findings. The Philippines faces the risk of additional tariffs from the US after the US Trade Representative concluded that it has not done enough to curb imports of goods made with forced labor.
Philippine-made goods entering the US are currently subject to a 10% baseline tariff. The government is seeking to ensure that its trade practices follow internationally recognized labor standards.
By prohibiting imports of goods produced through forced labor, the country aims to strengthen confidence in the integrity of its supply chains, promote fair and responsible business practices, and demonstrate its commitment to sustainable economic growth founded on ethical trade.
The Bureau of Customs will have the power to bar the entry of goods found to have been produced using forced labor. The government believes that this move will be beneficial for the country, as it aligns with its commitment to international labor standards.
The Philippines is taking proactive steps to address concerns related to imports made with forced labor. The move is seen as a positive step towards promoting responsible business practices and ensuring that the country's trade practices follow internationally recognized labor standards.
