Labor chief eyes legalized prostitution

Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas pressed yesterday for a review of anti-prostitution provisions under the Revised Penal Code, a move that could pave the way for the legalization of the sex trade in the country.

Sto. Tomas said both the House of Representatives and the Senate must review measures criminalizing prostitution to determine whether sex workers can be amply protected with the legalization of the trade.

"It is about time that we revisited such provisions to find out if we can be better off if the practice is in the open and can be regulated," she said.

Sto. Tomas said there is a growing clamor for the legalization of the sex trade in the Philippines, but admitted that many sectors are strongly against prostitution, including the Catholic Church.

Groups favoring the legalization of prostitution insist that appropriate safety nets can be provided to ensure the health of sex workers.

Sto. Tomas explained that there must be review of the laws to determine why women resort to such an occupation.

"Women engaging in prostitution are victims themselves. Many of them are forced into the job due to lack of opportunities. Some just want to earn so that their children can go to school. All these things must be taken into consideration," she pointed out.

Sto. Tomas said an immediate review of anti-prostitution measures is one of the actions Congress can take to celebrate women’s month this March.