Sex workers prohibited in public places, streets

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The so-called freelance sex workers, either female or male, are no longer allowed to ply their trade in public places, plazas or streets in this city where they solicit money in exchange for sex.

The City Council approved Tuesday the Ordinance on Moral and Decency of 2014, prohibiting any form of prostitution in the city and providing penalties for violators.

City Councilor Plaridel Nava, sponsor of the law, said it is already the right time to stop the proliferation of prostitution and pimps in public places and streets to restore decency and morality among the city residents.

The penalties to be imposed on violators are as follows: (1) First offense — a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of 30 days or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court with counseling by the Department of Social Welfare and Development or any related agency;

(2) second offense — a fine of P2,000 or imprisonment of 30 days and one-day to six months or both fine and imprisonment upon discretion of the court and undergo counseling; and (3) third offense — a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of 30 days and one-day or one year or both fine and imprisonment.

Apart from prostitution, the ordinance also imposes appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places, vagrancy, mendicancy and other activities inimical to the welfare and moral standings of the city residents.

Nava said the ordinance will be implemented after it is signed into law by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and published in newspapers of major circulation for three consecutive issues.

Meanwhile, Jorge Duron, chairman of Task Force on Moral and Values Formation, said there about 200 freelance sex workers working from seven red houses (brothels) or casas while others are just roaming around the city’s streets, particularly in the areas of Arroyo, Ledesma, Mabini and Villa.

Duron said at least 40 identified pimps, who have direct contacts with commercial and freelance sex workers, are now being monitored by the Task Force.

Before the ordinance, the Task Force has required freelance sex workers to undergo a pap smear test at the City Social Hygience Clinic in Tanza Esperanza before they will be issued with a pink card that certifies a holder of having underwent the test and cleared of any sexually transmitted disease. (FREEMAN)