SECOND SPEAKER

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and to my fellow debaters!

Prostitution should not be legalized in the Philippines for the following
grounds: (1) the presence of an adult sex industry increases both the rates of
child sexual exploitation and trafficking. (2) prostitution is not the only option
for a living (3) prostitution increases the cases of STDs, HIVs and AIDS.
Human trafficking is one of todays most egregious human rights
violations. Traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of society.
Trafficking in person is the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of
sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.
This violates the Republic Act No. 10364, an act expanding Republic Act No.
9208, Entitled An act to institute policies to eliminate trafficking in persons
especially women and children. Today's appeasers fail to understand that
legalizing prostitution always increases illegal prostitution. They fail to
understand that the emotional capture of victims by brutal and experienced
traffickers makes it certain that the victims will almost never feel free to testify
about the lives they are forced to endure. Instead of legalizing prostitution, they
should work very vigorously at ending prostitution, which in our opinion would
significantly contribute to the eradication of trafficking in persons and human
sexual slavery.
Second, prostitution is not the only option for a living. According to the
data from the National Statistical Coordination Board, more than one-quarter
(26.3%) of the population fell below the poverty line in 2015, an approximate
0.5 percent increase since 2014. This is one of the reasons why women engage
themselves in prostitution. While they may choose to sell themselves, it is
economic necessity that drives them. This serves as their source of living for
their daily needs. However, selling own self does not guarantee a sustainable
job. The person deteriorates as she engages more in that activity. Legalizing
prostitution is not an option, but instead the government must remove those
(prostitutes) from poverty. Permitting prostitution would only benefit those who
engage in the economic matters of this business, not those who are forced to do
participate in it.

Lastly, prostitution increases the cases of STDs, HIVs and AIDS. Melissa
Farley, an American clinical psychologist, researcher, feminist, antipornography and anti-prostitution activist, clearly documents that throughout
history, regardless of its legal status, prostitution has had a devastating impact
on womens health. Some findings include: Sexual violence and physical
assault are the norm for women in all types of prostitution.
Next are health problems which include exhaustion, frequent viral
illness, STDs, vaginal infections, back aches, sleeplessness, depression,
headaches, stomachaches, and eating disorders. A legalized system of
prostitution often mandates health checks and certification, but only for
women and not for male buyers. Health examinations or tests for women but
not men make no public health sense because monitoring prostituted women
does not protect them from HIV/AIDS or STDs.
Also, post-traumatic stress disorder that is a consequence of prostitution
were mood disorders such as dissociation and depression are visible on the
victims. According to a study, 76% of prostitutes considered suicide. Prostitutes
are at a higher risk of being murdered and considered as victims instead of
criminals.
With the following reasons presented, we the negative team firmly believe
that prostitution should not be legalized! Thank you!