Women victims

HUMAN trafficking is uncontestably a major global problem that victimizes mostly marginalized people in underdeveloped and developing countries like the Philippines. Initiatives abound from civil society and the media to help curb the problem, and government efforts are also being reinforced to stop the illegal activities. But at the same time, utmost caution must be taken to ensure that campaigns and procedures do not violate the same human rights that are supposedly being protected in the battle against human trafficking. This is particularly important when dealing with children and women victims, considered among the most vulnerable sectors.

The raid last week in an alleged online cybersex den fronting as an English tutorial center in Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan, was not met with resounding applause and thumbs-ups – as could be expected for all actions against human trafficking – not only because there are doubts as to the veracity of the charges but also because of how the police allegedly acted during the search. If the company is, indeed, involved in cybersex crime, then its female workers would be considered the victims of human trafficking and should be treated by the authorities appropriately so, with utmost consideration on their plight as the prey of criminal operations. But it seems that the women feel that they have been victimized rather by the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and standing firm on their accusations, they are prepared to slap charges against the authorities.

If proven wrong, the CIDG must ensure that their men who acted inappropriately during the raid are penalized and assessment be made on their “investigation and detection” procedures. If the charges are proven true, the provincial government, which has a collaborative relationship with the accused company and has vouched for its legitimacy, must review its own system of verifying businesses which it helps recruit employees.

The most sincere and committed intentions to stop human trafficking is not enough. Suitable action is the more crucial element.

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Casing Cayetano

SEN. Alan Peter Cayetano has announced his bid for the presidency in the 2016 election.  In so doing, some pundits argue Cayetano has placed himself an open target of his critics, if not his downright foes.  Already, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, in a privilege speech, has accused Cayetano of using the Senate probe the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam to advance his presidential ambitions.  Cayetano had promptly denied this.

Is there really something wrong with Cayetano’s early announcement to wish to replace P-Noy at Malacanang?

We don’t think so. If at all, at least Cayetano is honest enough to covet for the country’s highest political office this early.  He’s no hypocrite.  And doesn’t the early bird get the first worm?  Besides, it is only barely two years before we elect P-Noy’s successor.  Time flies.  Thing is, with this development, we will start judging, monitoring, Cayetano’s every single move from here on.   Each step of his will either make or unmake him.  It will define him.

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