Manila: Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda is advocating for the swift approval of House Bill No. 10848, which aims to ban the import and trade of goods produced through forced labor. Salceda emphasizes that this initiative transcends trade relations and highlights the Philippines' commitment to human dignity and fair labor practices.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill No. 10848, titled "An Act Prohibiting the Trade of Goods Produced Wholly or in Part with Forced Labor and Providing Penalties Therefor," seeks to implement a firm legal prohibition against the importation of forced-labor goods into the Philippine market. Salceda expressed that the issue is not merely about avoiding tariffs or protecting exports but involves a significant moral responsibility when such products enter the market.
The move follows a determination by the Office of the United States Trade Representative on June 2, 2026, which identified the Philippines, among other economies, as failing to effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of forced-labor goods. Consequently, the U.S. imposed an additional 12.5-percent tariff on Philippine products, effective July 24, 2026.
Salceda noted that while the Executive Branch has initiated an inter-agency mechanism to investigate suspected forced-labor goods, legislative action is essential to provide a definitive and enduring legal framework. He argued that a law would ensure that the Philippines does not become a market for goods produced by modern-day slavery, regardless of changes in administrations or international trade dynamics.
House Bill No. 10848 would explicitly prohibit the importation of goods produced through forced labor, empowering the Bureau of Customs to exclude and forfeit such goods. It would also impose penalties and establish permanent inter-agency coordination for enforcement.
Salceda underscored that the legislation is crucial for protecting Filipino businesses and workers from unfair competition. He stated that while removing the tariff is desirable, it should be viewed as a result of stronger Philippine policy rather than the primary objective.
Salceda further remarked on the need to safeguard Philippine exporters, Filipino jobs, and competitiveness in the U.S. market, acknowledging the real impact of the 12.5-percent additional tariff on local industries.
