SC to courts: Resolve human trafficking cases quickly

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona said yesterday he wants the courts to speed up the resolution of human trafficking cases to prevent the country from being downgraded to Tier 3 category among countries failing to meet the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

“A more vigorous prosecution of cases and a higher conviction rate for traffickers should be pursued,” he said, adding that cases should be decided within 180 days from the arraignment of the accused.

The Philippines is currently on Tier 2 watch list, a category that indicates a lack of full compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, he added.

Corona said falling under the Tier 3 category would mean that the country would have restrictions on non-humanitarian and non-trade-related foreign assistance.