Creating a Special Task Force to Address the Human Trafficking Problems Specially Those Involving Filipino Entertainers in Japan and vesting such powers and responsibilities appurtenant thereto

MALACAÑANG
Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 406 February 8, 2005

CREATING A SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROBLEMS SPECIALLY THOSE INVOLVING FILIPINO ENTERTAINERS IN JAPAN AND VESTING SUCH POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES APPURTENANT THERETO

WHEREAS, the Annual Report of the US State Department cited Japan as a destination for Asian women and children trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation.

WHEREAS, the Japanese Diet enacted law 73 amending its Immigration Control Act to address the problem;

WHEREAS, Japan’s new rules require entertainers to possess two (2) years relevant schooling or two (2) years experience as entertainers outside Japan;

WHEREAS, the new rules will affect thousands of Filipino entertainers and their families, jeopardizing their status, livelihood and economic survival;

WHEREAS, it is imperative that the Philippine government takes positive actions to help fight the human trafficking problem to protect and safeguard the status of our legitimate Filipino entertainers;

WHEREAS, under Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987 and Presidential Decree...

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Summary of Executive Order No. 406

Creation and Function of a Special Task Force (Section 1):
- A Special Task Force on Human Trafficking concerns is created to fight human trafficking and protect Filipino workers in Japan.
- It is attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
- Its principal mission is to establish friendly relations with Japanese authorities regarding the status and welfare of Filipino entertainers affected by Japan's new immigration policy.
- It will focus on data gathering, investigation, analysis, and formulating programs to solve the human trafficking problem.

Composition of the Task Force (Section 2):
- The Task Force is under the supervision of the DOLE Secretary.
- Members are drawn from DOLE, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and a representative from the industry.

Oversight Committee (Section 3):
- An Oversight Committee is created, chaired by the DOLE Secretary.
- Members include the Secretaries of DFA and DOJ, Director of NBI, and Commissioner of BI.
- The Committee ensures active participation and cooperation of agencies involved in the Human Trafficking Program.

Assistance and Cooperation (Section 4):
- All other government agencies are directed to actively cooperate with and support the anti-trafficking campaign.

Funding (Section 5):
- Two Million Pesos is appropriated from the Special Activities fund for the initial operation of the Task Force.

Implementation and Effectivity (Sections 6-8):
- The Executive Order is self-implementing, and no additional rules are necessary.
- It repeals or modifies inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, and issuances.
- It takes effect immediately upon approval.