Malacañang on Monday denied that the Philippines is falling short in addressing forced labor concerns, saying the government continues to enforce laws protecting workers’ rights and condemns all forms of forced labor.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after a United States Trade Representative (USTR) report claimed that the Philippines continues to import goods allegedly produced through forced labor.
“Seryosong tinutugunan ng pamahalaan ang usaping ito. Binibigyang-diin ng pamahalaan ang matagal nang paninindigan laban sa forced labor at ang umiiral na batas laban dito,” Castro said in a briefing.
Castro said the government is now reviewing the USTR report and will engage US officials through proper channels to assert the country’s compliance with labor standards.
“Kasalukuyang sinusuri ang ulat ng USTR at makikipag-ugnayan sa mga opisyal ng US sa tamang paraan. So, kaya nating ipaglaban na tayo ay hindi lumalabag sa batas at tayo ay kumokondena sa forced labor,” she added.
Asked whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would send another team to the United States to discuss the matter with the USTR, Castro said such a move remains possible. For now, she said the government will study the report and determine the necessary steps to support its position.
Malacañang also acknowledged the USTR’s recommendation to impose an additional 12.5 percent tariff on select Philippine products. The proposed tariff covers goods from several countries that the USTR said failed to effectively establish safeguards against imports made with forced labor.