Prostitution in the Philippines

Prostitution in the Philippines is illegal, although somewhat tolerated, with law enforcement being rare with regards to sex workers. Penalties range up to life imprisonment for those involved in trafficking, which is covered by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.^[1] Prostitution is available through bars, karaoke bars (also known as KTVs), massage parlors, brothels (also known as casa), street walkers, and escort services.^[2]

The "Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study" conducted in 2002 by the University of the Philippines' Population Institute and Demographic Research and Development Foundation found that 19% of young males had paid for sex and 11% had received payment for sexual favors.^[3]

In 2013, it was estimated that there were up to 500,000 prostitutes in the Philippines,^[4] from a population of roughly 97.5 million. Citing a 2005 study, Senator Pia S. Cayetano asserted in her “Anti-Prostitution Act” (Senate Bill No. 2341 s.2010), that the number of people being exploited in prostitution in the Philippines could be as high as 800,000.^[5][6] The bill was reintroduced in 2013 as Senate Bill No. 3382,^[7] and in 2015 as Senate Bill No. 2621.^[8]

Japanese prostitutes (Karayuki-san) worked in the Philippines during US rule.^{[9][failed verification]}

During the Cold War, Japanese businessmen went on sex tourism with Filipino women, Thai women and South Korean women.^[10][11]