ONLINE pornography, dating apps, and spas offering sexual services are contributing significantly to the alarming rise in HIV cases in the Philippines, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
In a Palace press briefing, Herbosa cited the growing number of HIV infections, especially among young Filipinos, and pointed to “risky behavior” made easier by digital access and lax regulation.
“Mataas ang risky behavior dahil sa easy access to pornography online, mga dating apps, hindi paggamit ng protection at may mga spa na nagpe-pretend na spa pero actually brothel sila,” Herbosa said.
He also noted that while current laws mandate regular HIV testing only for female sex workers, most new HIV cases are actually among men who have sex with men.
“Ang batas natin for testing of female sex workers, nakalagay kasi sa batas female sex workers, and 95 percent of our HIV are men having sex with men. Hindi sila nate-test so baka kailangan din nating balangkasin iyon,” he added.
Herbosa said expanding mandatory testing to include high-risk male populations should be considered as part of the country’s strategy to curb the HIV epidemic.
Earlier, the DOH chief warned that the Philippines could see as many as 400,000 people living with HIV by 2030 if current trends persist. He has proposed declaring a National Public Health Emergency to fast-track response and prevention efforts.
