MANILA, Philippines—Another lawmaker added her voice to the growing criticisms over a United Nations report recommending that prostitution be legalized in the country.
Iloilo Representative Janette Garin. Photo from congress.gov.ph
Iloilo Representative Janette Garin told Radyo Inquirer 990AM Tuesday that UN’s arguments doesn’t justify the legalization of prostitution in the Philippines.
The radio report quoted Garin as saying that it is not a valid argument to say that sex workers will have a better access to government health services if prostitution will be legalized and considered as a valid profession in the country.
She said prostitutes are not being denied of their medical needs to start with.
Moreover, Garin, who is a doctor, said that even if prostitution is declared as a profession, sex traders are likely to remain off the radar to avoid being disgraced.
She also warned that if sex trade becomes legal, many people would be swayed to enter prostitution where there is “easy money.”
Among others, the UN study titled “Sex Work and the Law in Asia and the Pacific” said that sex workers will have access to benefits and pensions if prostitution is legalized.