ANGELES CITY health authorities reported 10 new suspected cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Dr. Teresita Esguerra, chief of the social hygiene center of the city health office, also noted an eight percent increase in cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among thousands of women registered as workers in local bars and other tourist-oriented establishments (Ding Cervantes, Philippine Star, January 05, 2011).
There are about half a million sex workers in the Philippines, most of who were lured and exploited by crime syndicates, according to the Philippine Commission on Women. This prompted lawmakers to file several measures decriminalizing prostitution and upholding the rights of victims being exploited by crime syndicates.
Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac), principal author of House Bill 1706, said decriminalizing prostitution could be a new approach in addressing the problem.
The Revised Penal Code, which punishes women who engage in sexual intercourse for money, fails to recognize compelling reasons such as poverty and human trafficking.
Citing a report of the Philippine Commission on Women, Yap said of the estimated 500,000 sex workers in the country, 100,000 are children. The existing law also fails to address the criminal liability of exploiters such as recruiters, pimps, bar or brothel owners and customers who cause the prostitution. –Mark Allen C. Sison, Sun Star
*****
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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