Philippines debates sex tourism
US diplomat’s comment about prostitution sparks debate in the country on a taboo subject.
Published On 7 Oct 2011
Harry Thomas Junior, the US ambassador to the Philippines, recently said that 40 per cent of men visiting the country are sex tourists.
Since prostitution in the Philippines is a taboo subject, activists fighting against it are thankful for the latest boost their cause has received following the diplomat’s controversial comment.
While it is public knowledge that prostitution is widespread in the country, many local government units have tolerated it because of the taxes they earn from prostitution establishments.
Al Jazeera’s Marga Ortigas reports from the capital, Manila.
Source: Al Jazeera