Legarda Hails Expanded Anti-Trafficking Law

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA HAILED PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO’S SIGNING INTO LAW OF THE EXPANDED ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT OF 2012 (REPUBLIC ACT 10364) AND SAID THAT THE MOVE IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS ERADICATING AND EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLING THE SCOURGE THAT TRAFFICKING INFLICTS UPON FILIPINOS.
“I am happy that the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act is now a law. This speaks much of President Aquino’s strong resolve to address the problem of human trafficking, which has victimized many Filipinos especially innocent women and children,” said Legarda, principal sponsor of the measure.
The Senator explained that the law will significantly improve the efforts against trafficking in the country through the stronger provisions of the measure. The new law covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability; protection to trafficked victims; and a permanent Secretariat to the country’s anti-trafficking efforts, among others, as well as stronger penalty provisions.
“As perpetrators become more innovative in their actions, so should our government be more deliberate in its efforts to strengthen policies, improve on enforcement, and enhance inter-agency coordination, both at the local and international level. Through this law, the days of human traffickers are already numbered,” said Legarda.
Legarda is also the author of other measures that aim to protect women and children such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262), the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and the Anti-Child Labor Law.