Why should Sex Tourism and Prostitution be Legalized in the Philippines

Abstract

Several laws linked to Prostitution have been enforced in the Philippines and in countries where it is not permitted over the years, however, evidences show that it has unceasingly developed, in fact, has been coined already as the “oldest profession” and has already become a multi-billion-dollar Industry. As laws in the Philippines continuously fail to solve the problem, this study suggested legalization as a better option to minimize its negative implications, if it does not totally become a solution. Results show that legalizing sex work would cause more positive implications to the society than to criminalize it. Legalization has been determined to decrease incidents of physical and sexual violence against women and cases of Sexual Transmitted Deceases. Criminalization on the other hand has been found to lack of the ability to stop or even slow down the growth of the commercial sex Industry and proven to expose sex workers to physical and sexual assault and harassment not just from their clients but also from law enforcers. In the Philippines where sex work is illegal, financial need was identified as the primary reason why people choose to work as prostitutes, unfortunately, it was discovered that they are treated badly; there are times that they are not being paid, they experience being forced to do things they don’t want to do, and they are harassed by hotel employees and law enforcers. Furthermore, though the Hospitality Industry may not be in support of prostitution, it seems like it is as hotels are used as the primary venue for the service. The Philippine Government if will stick to having sex work as a crime should therefore look into Hotels and conceptualize ways to make sure that people who are checking In are not there for commercial sex.