Bautista eyes 2nd sexual health clinic for men

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government has announced plans to open a second sexual health clinic that will provide services for men who contracted sexually transmitted diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which could develop into full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

“This is a fitting testament that the city government is concerned with addressing the needs of people living with HIV,” Mayor Herbert Bautista said in a statement.

The facility, which will expand the current Klinika Bernardo located in Cubao, will be built near the town plaza in Novaliches. It will serve as a diagnostic, treatment and referral facility for male patients with sexually related diseases.  

The city government said it will be equipped with HIV testing facilities and will be operated by medical and clinical personnel of the city health department. Trained peer educators will also be available to provide free counseling to clients. 

City health officials said the sundown clinic – which will operate from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. – will start operating later this year.

Rolly Cruz of the city health department said the city government is investing some P15 million for its HIV/AIDS control program in 2014.

Last year, the city government passed an ordinance that will penalize employers who will discriminate against employees who have HIV infection or AIDS.

The law seeks to prevent discrimination among employees or applicants for employment who are “perceived, suspected or confirmed to have infected with HIV.”

Based on the measure, the licenses or permits of employers or businesses found guilty of committing discriminatory acts will be revoked, said the ordinance.

The ordinance also prohibits employers from requiring applicants or current employees from taking HIV tests, adding that “employers cannot simply equate HIV with disability.”

It defines discrimination as any act that may degrade human dignity, including unequal treatment of employees or applicants perceived, suspected, or confirmed to have infected with HIV.