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
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Nov 16 – International Day for Tolerance
“No more toleration of corruption!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
November
Nov 2 – Intl Day to End Impunity for
Crimes Against Journalists
Nov 9 – World Science Day for Peace
and Development
Nov 16 – International Day for Tolerance
Nov 19 – World Toilet Day
Nov 20 – World Children’s Day
Nov 25 – Intl Day for the Elimination of
Violence Against Women
Monthly Observances:
Homes Safety Month
Filipino Values Month
National Rice Awareness Month
National Consciousness Month
for Punctuality and Civility
Environmental Awareness Month
National Children’s Month
Organic Agriculture Month
Weekly Observances:
Nov 19-25: Global Warming and
Climate Change Consciousness Week
Nov 23-29: National Girls’ Week
Population and Development Week
Nov 25 – Dec 12: Social Welfare Week
18-Day Campaign to End
Violence against Women
Week 2: Week 3: Drug Abuse Prevention
and Control Week
Last Week: Safety and Accident
Prevention Week
Daily Observances:
Last Saturday: Career Executive Service
Day
Nov 19: National Child Health Day
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