CEDAW/C/PHL/Q/7-8/Add.1
9.
Information on measures adopted to prevent sexual exploitation of women
and girls
9.1
Measures to prevent sexual exploitation:
• Creation of a special unit for the investigation and operations of trafficking
and sexual exploitation of women and girls
• Creation of special multi-sectoral anti-trafficking task forces to intercept the
operations of suspected trafficking syndicates at airports, land, and water
transit points
• Operation of the IACAT 1343 Actionline, a 24/7 hotline that receives and
responds to requests for assistance, inquiries and/or referrals on trafficking cases
• A 24/7 operation centre and website that serves as a complaint and reporting
centre and a medium to inform the public, especially women and girls against
internet fraud, cyber stalking and other internet-related abuses
Measures to support women in prostitution who wish to have alternative means
of livelihoods
9.2 The Philippines criminalizes prostitution and provides several measures and
services to victims of human trafficking (see 7.6).
9.3
The State, through the DOLE, implements the following:
• Integrated Livelihood Program where trafficking vict ims can be provided
livelihood assistance
• Registration of victims in PhilJobnet
• Referral of victim to the nearest public employment office
• Program for returning migrants
G.
Participation in political and public life
10. Concrete steps taken by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to
incorporate specific provisions in the accreditation of political parties to
promote integration of women
10.1 COMELEC conducted 6 consultations in select cities/provinces and
1 roundtable discussion in 2015 for the formulation of the Guidelines on promoting
women’s integration in political parties and party-list organizations.
10.2 While the Guidelines are being developed, the COMELEC also conducted
seminars/trainings for women aspiring to run for public office, incumbent female
officials of LGUs, and leaders of women’s groups and sectoral organizations in
anticipation of the 2016 national and local elections.
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