Prostitution In The Philippines

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On February 25, 2013, an American Arthur Benjamin was arrested for running underage prostitution “Crow Bar” in Subic Bay in the western Philippines. Many of the bars, established in that area, are packed with older foreign men, looking to engage in sexual affairs with younger Filipinas. Arthur has been known for pulling girls from high school and forcing them into the prostitution. He has denied it publicly, but reporters with hidden cameras caught him admitting to all allegations. Although, prostitution is illegal in the Philippines, it thrives in parts of capital Manila filled with the tourists, suggesting that perhaps most of the tourists visit the Philippines for sex tourism.
Unfortunately, Arthur is not the first foreigner to run such …show more content…

The practice of prostitution in the Philippines already existed, yet with the arrival of colonists, its level of participation greatly increased and became one of the most established, successful entertainment businesses. More women joined, either voluntarily or forcefully, which led to the increased number of foreign and local customers. However, under unhygienic health and facility conditions, many women caught venereal diseases, spreading them to any other subsequent clients. Many men were physically unable to serve or work, which led to the implementation of medical services to “cure” women of such illnesses. However, the medical check ups were contrary to good morals and violation of personal space. There was the “double standard, the violation of justice that mandated for vicious women compulsory exams not applied to vicious men”(Kramer7) As well as the hierarchical racial system, which seemed to justify brutal and unjust treatment of Filipino women. Yet, they still endured painful humiliation, fought against the cruel system and tried to somehow maintain their dignity. “According to US army doctors, European and American prostitutes largely avoided what they perceived as stigmatizing inspection by US army doctors, preferring instead to be inspected by private physicians”(Kramer4). Women thought if they go through medical inspection, they should at least be inspected privately. As much as people portray women as weak, and unstable, Filipino women have shown a great amount of strength, power and

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