Americans Targeted for Allegedly Running Underage Prostitution in Philippines

[Trefor]

While I think this is terrible, and the whole thing is not the kind of tourism the Philippines needs, what is the age of consent in the Philippines? i.e. are they underage in the Philippines? (they may be underage if they were in the US, but they are not, this case would be governed by local law?).

[Terpe]

While I think this is terrible, and the whole thing is not the kind of tourism the Philippines needs, what is the age of consent in the Philippines? i.e. are they underage in the Philippines? (they may be underage if they were in the US, but they are not, this case would be governed by local law?).

The problem is a lot of foreigners are not aware of the laws which, in principle, makes all prostitution, child prostitution.

What everyone may fail to understand is that if you walk into a bar in philippines and bar fine a girl, it is now child prostitution simply because there is no
age of consent for anyone trafficked into prostitution in the philippines.

[Terpe]

Take special note here:-
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610
Section 3. Definition of Terms
(a) "Children" refers to person below eighteen (18) years of age
or
those over 18 years of age, but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from
abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition;

Article III, Section 5. Child Prostitution and Other Sexual Abuse.
Children, whether male or female, who for money, profit, or any other consideration or due to the coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate or group,
indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, are deemed to be children exploited in prostitution and other sexual abuse.