National confab to tackle "sextortion"

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Women Judges Association will be holding its national convention in Cebu next month to tackle the issue of “sextortion”.

Regional Trial Court Judge Sylva Aguirre-Paderanga, PWJA director for Central Visayas, told reporters that sextortion is already alarming based on a study conducted by the International Association of Women Judges especially in the countries of Tanzania and Bosnia.

Sextortion is a new term adopted by the international association which means to extort for sex instead of money.

“The objective is to let all lady judges be familiar with sextortion, how to identify it, how to eventually eradicate it,” Paderanga said.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was chosen as the keynote speaker by PWJA being recognized as one of the strong advocates of women’s rights.

“We believe she can ably represent the women sector especially as she is in a high political position,” Paderanga said.

Paderanga also hopes that the convention can come up with a proposal for a specific law that can be legislated, as of now there are just related laws on sexual exploitation.

The convention will be held on March 2 to 4 at the Radisson Blue Hotel.

Garcia said that the provincial government assured support to the PWJA as the event will also showcase Cebu.

A special presentation by the dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center and a visit to the Museo Sugbo are to be scheduled.

The Province will also host a dinner with a festival presentation.

The upcoming activity will be the first PWJA national convention to be held outside Metro Manila.

PWJA is composed of all women justices and judges from the Supreme Court down to the Metropolitan Trial Courts.   (FREEMAN NEWS)