Good morning, esteemed judges, fellow debaters, and classmates.

Today, we stand at the

crossroads of a crucial debate: the legalization of prostitution in the Philippines.

Before we go ahead, let's define the prostitution first. What is prostitution? Prostitution, the act of
exchanging sexual services for money or goods, has existed throughout human history and
across cultures. However, its legal status remains contentious, with arguments for both
criminalization and legalization.

In the Philippines, prostitution is illegal, but it remains a pervasive reality. Estimates suggest that
around 500,000 Filipinos engage in prostitution, with the majority being women and children.
This illegal status pushes the industry into the shadows, exposing sex workers to exploitation,
violence, and the constant threat of arrest.

One of the most compelling arguments for legalization is the potential for increased safety and
protection for sex workers. Currently, the illegal status of prostitution pushes the industry
underground, making it difficult to monitor and regulate. This leaves sex workers vulnerable to
violence, exploitation, and abuse.

By legalizing prostitution, we can bring it into a regulated framework. This allows for the
implementation of safety measures, such as:
Mandatory health checks: Regular health checks can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) and ensure the overall well-being of sex workers.
Working conditions standards: Legalization can establish minimum standards for working
conditions, including safe working environments, fair pay, and freedom from coercion.
Legal recourse: By recognizing sex work as a legitimate profession, sex workers will have legal
recourse if they experience abuse or exploitation. This can empower them to hold perpetrators
accountable and seek justice.

How do you address the existing harms faced by sex workers under the current illegal
framework, including vulnerability to exploitation, violence, and limited access to healthcare and
legal protection? Can you provide a concrete plan for addressing these issues without resorting
to legalization?