Malacañang said the Philippines does not condone forced labor as it rejected the US Trade Representative’s proposed additional tariffs on the country.
The statement came after the USTR identified the Philippines among 60 economies whose policies on forced labor imports were deemed unreasonable and burdensome to US commerce. Palace press officer Claire Castro said the government condemns the practice and has laws to combat it. Castro added that the USTR report is under review. The government will communicate with US officials through proper channels. The USTR suggested extra duties of 10 percent for economies with forced labor import bans or partial regimes and 12.5 percent for others.
