RP may lose US aid on low convictions in human trafficking
By Michaela P. del Callar 03/16/2011The Philippines should produce more human trafficking convictions to be taken off a crucial watchlist this year and not end up in a more severe blacklist that would cause it to lose American humanitarian aid, US Ambassador Harry Thomas said yesterday.
Washington welcomed a commitment by President Aquino’s administration, relayed by Vice President Jejomar Binay and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, to improve the country’s battle against the worldwide scourge, Thomas said but added it was “too early to say” whether the Philippines could be taken off the US watchlist this year.
“Clearly, the most important thing is how many convictions you have, so, we’ll see,” Thomas told reporters after a human trafficking forum in Pasig City.
Thomas pointed out encouraging signs such as a pledge by Binay to US officials that the country will prosecute.... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110316hed5.html
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