Prostitution in the Philippines

Prostitution in Philippines is illegal and is covered by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Prostitution is sometimes available through brothels (also known as casa), bars, karaoke bars (also known as KTVs), Massage Parlors, street walkers and escort services.

Violence against prostitutes

Surveys of women working as masseuses indicated that 34 per cent of them explained their choice of work as necessary to support poor parents, 8 per cent to support siblings and 28 per cent to support husbands or boyfriends. More than 20 per cent said the job was well paid, but only 2 per cent said it was easy work and only 2 per cent claimed to enjoy the work. Over a third reported that they had been subject to violence or harassment, most commonly from the police but also from city officials and gangsters.

A survey conducted by the International Labor Organization] reveals that in the experience of most of the women surveyed, prostitution is one of the most alienating forms of labour. Over 50 per cent of the women surveyed in Philippine massage parlours said they carried out their work “with a heavy heart,” and 20 per cent said they were “conscience stricken because they still considered sex with customers a sin.” Interviews with Philippine bar girls revealed that more than half of them felt “nothing” when they had sex with a client, the remainder said the transactions saddened them.

Prositution in various regions

One of the cities where there is a high incidence of prostitution is Pasay City.