US cites Philippines gains vs human trade

Wednesday, June 29, 2011
MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the removal of the Philippines from the United States human trafficking watchlist.
It also welcomed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s statement that cited the Philippines’ improved efforts in battling human trafficking.
The State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, posted at the US Department website Tuesday, elevated the Philippines, Singapore and Laos off the watchlist to so-called Tier 2, which means that the countries do not fully meet standards on human trafficking but are making efforts to do so.
In the Report, the State Department praised an “intensified effort” by the Philippines.
It said the Philippines convicted 25 trafficking offenders, compared with nine the previous year, including first-ever convictions for forced labor.
The report has become increasingly sensitive for Southeast Asian governments, which face a cutoff of US assistance if they are found to be unresponsive in fighting trafficking.
Indonesia and Cambodia stayed at Tier 2, but Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam remained on the watchlist. The only Asian jurisdictions on Tier 1, meaning full compliance, were South Korea and Taiwan.
In releasing the report, the State Department said millions of people around the world remained trapped in modern-day slavery for sexual exploitation or labor and called on governments around the world to take action.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote in a forward to the report: “It “embodies the United States” continued dedication to fighting traffickers no matter where they may be, because fighting slavery and standing up for human rights is part of our national identity.”
The United States gave itself a Tier 1 ranking but offered details about problems at home, including allegations of exploitation by federal contractors.
“I don’t think it’s fair for us to rank others if we don’t look hard at who we are and what we’re doing,” Clinton said at a launch event for the report.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was pleased to note that Clinton cited in an interview with CNN that the Philippines as among “the countries that have made a lot of progress in the global campaign against human trafficking.”
“Look at what the Philippines has done in the change of administration. The Philippines probably export more people, their citizenry, than nearly any other country in the world. They go all over the world to work in many different settings and until the administration of President Aquino, we didn’t really have a level commitment we were seeking. We do now and we see a sea-change of difference,” Lacierda said quoting Clinton.
Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III was elated over the upgrade and vowed to continue the government’s efforts to curb human trafficking in the country.
“In response, the Aquino administration expresses its appreciation on these citations and emphasizes our continuing campaign against human trafficking,” the Palace spokesperson said.
Lacierda also noted the efforts of several government agencies involved in fighting human trafficking such as the Department of Justice.
“We’d like to thank also the Secretary of Justice, Leila de Lima’s efforts on curbing trafficking as well as all the other agencies involved in the fight against human trafficking. And certainly the President is very appreciative of the upgrade made by the State Department,” he said.
Lacierda said the Philippines will then try to get to Tier 1 after reaching Tier 2.
“We’re certainly going to improve our efforts at curbing human trafficking. Whatever Tier that we are required to be taken out, we’re certainly going to do that — that’s been a promise of this administration,” he said.
Upgrade saves $250 million in Philippine funding
For his part, Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III called on his colleagues to aid the government in cracking down agencies that practice human trafficking.
“It is a clear indication that we are on the right track in protecting the welfare of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). However, this must not trigger any sort of complacency on the part of the government,” Tañada said in a statement.
He noted that some dubious agencies are still able to secure accreditation from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.
Last year, the House leader exposed a specific case of human trafficking in Biloxi, Mississippi involving eleven OFWs who were allegedly duped by their recruitment agency.
In a separate report, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute on Tuesday said that the Philippines’ improved standing allowed it to save an estimated $250 million in non-humanitarian assistance.
“With this improved rating, the Philippines managed to avert the loss of an estimated US$250 million in non-humanitarian assistance from the US government while sending a strong signal to human traffickers around the world,” Ople Center President Susan Ople said.
Earlier, it expressed concerns about a possible downgrade, which will disqualify the Philippines from receiving the non-humanitarian assistance from the US government.
The improved standing should now encourage the Aquino administration to aim for a higher goal, which is to be included in the list’s Tier 1.
“The upgrade should inspire the government to aim for a Tier 1 ranking, by trying to obtain more convictions and cleaning up the local recruitment process,” said Ople.
The upgrade also encouraged the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to double its efforts against human trafficking syndicates.
Since August 2010, the bureau has prevented 54,076 suspected victims of human trafficking from leaving the country, BI spokesperson Attorney Antonette Mangrobang said.
“This was a result of our implementation of our strict departure formalities. Many of these victims were undocumented Filipino workers who posed as tourist workers,” she said. (Jill Beltran/Kaecee Alvarez/AMN/FP/Sunnex)

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/29/us-cites-philippines-gains-vs-human-trade-163831

Best place to unwind in Angeles City Pampanga Philippines is to do a little wine shopping at the Clark Wine Center which is also considered as the best place in Clark for private wine tasting, small parties and social functions outside of Manila. Guests of this wine shop in Clark enjoy the cozy ambience as well as the privacy and exclusivity of the roof deck lawn. Some guests that wine and dine at the famous restaurants near Angeles City Pampanga often drop by this wine shop to pick up a few good bottles for diner. Residents and guests staying in Pampanga Angeles City and Subic frequently visit this wine shop in Clark to buy some bottles from its fine selection of vintage wines that are offered at attractive prices. Some guests, business executives especially, select this wine shop for their business entertainment.

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Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.

Click here to contact Clark Wine Center in Clark Pampanga for inquiries and orders.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

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While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. Highly recommended fine dining restaurant in Manila for special occasion is Yats Restaurant & Wine Lounge located in the famous Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark Pampanga. Situated near this popular restaurant in Clark is the Mimosa Golf Course as well as the Mimosa Clark Casino. This top rated restaurant near Angeles City Pampanga in Clark Philippines is frequently used for private parties and corporate functions such as board meetings and other gatherings. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

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The lifestyle in Clark Pampanga is quite unique. For more information about shopping, sports, golf, leisure, hotel accommodation, where to see and visit, what to do, where to wine and dine and good places to hang out, relax, have a drink with friends, child-friendly establishments, log on to
http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

Wine lovers looking for a special bottle or something that is of great value and special discounts might log on to this web site to shop for fine vintage wines
http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

Those visitors who plan to relax and unwind in Angeles City, Subic, Pampanga, Clark Philippines might make an effort to book a room at the famous beach and lake resort Clearwater Resort & Country Club. This famous hotel in Clark Pampanga is frequently visited by families with children looking for a good place in Clark to see, a good holiday destination for the family to relax and unwind in the beautiful outdoor facilities. For more information, log on to www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com