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Press
Release
Ref
Person: Nonie Entena, 4th Nominee Gabriela Women's Party
October 25, 2012
'Women are not for
sale!'
UN's
recommendation to legalize prostitution in Ph, direct attack to women
Cabuyao,
Laguna-Gabriela
Women's Party -Southern Tagalog stands firm that prostitution is not a form of
labor but rather a form of systemized abuse and use of women for commodity.
Contrary to United
Nations' statement released on Friday that there is a need to legalized
prostitution in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the Philippines.
As per data shows that from 1984-2012, there are 10,514 reported cases of AIDS in the country. And as UN stated the legalization of prostitution would lessen the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
We believe that its
not legalization of prostitution that can prevent the disease, but a
comprehensive health program for every Filipino.
We call on to every
advocate for the promotion and advancement of women's rights to oppose this
proposal from United Nations.
'Women
are driven to prostitution not because it is a profitable job, but they were
forced into doing it because of factors such as poverty, unemployment and even
human trafficking'
This would make the existence of syndicates of human trafficking, white slavery and child abuse, justifiable. This would further corrupt our society with the view of women as sex objects.
In a patriarchal society like the Philippines women are treated lowly, they were oppressed economically because of unequal opportunities, and they were oppressed because they are women.
To site an example,
under R.A 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children, a woman forced
into prostitution by her partner is punishable under this law. What will be
then the case of prostitution will be legal?
The oldest profession
is not a profession at all it is a cultural practice that should be abolished
in the country.
Quoting Nonie Entena
in a statement, she said that 'Prostitutes
are not criminals, but rather they are victims of economic and gender
inequality. They are unable to access the resources and services we have in the
country, legalizing it will only justify the existence of such trade which will
go further on a more legal grounds on abusing women'
Aquino said he would
leave it to the legislative for a decision.
'We
challenge the Aquino government to make a stand now, and not just a pinpointing
initiative that he has been used to.'
Instead of legalizing prostitution, it should be eradicated and the root cause of this anti-social activities among with others and it should be address.
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