Escort handler urges Manila LGU to grant HMO cards to sex workers

A COORDINATOR of sex workers urged Manila’s local government to provide proper health care benefits to sex workers by giving them health insurance benefits for better access to medical services.  

Jessy Zammy, 30, who has been working as an escort handler since 2011, said that if sex workers were provided with Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) cards, they would no longer need to rely on out-of-pocket expenses for their medical needs. 

"If they have [a] health card, they wouldn’t need to use [cash], like HMO card,” Zammy said. 

Data obtained from the Manila Health Department (MHD) revealed that a total 709 applicant-workers from District 5 were granted pink certificates, which is a health permit specifically issued to entertainers. Majority of the health permit holders were registered from District 5, an area commonly known for clubs and active night life. 

“There are reasons why sex workers are required to secure health permits in the City of Manila. First, for occupational health safety. Second, for public health protection. Third, for compliance with the regulations and lastly, promoting safe sex practices,” Rowena Rufino, a community health nurse from the Manila Health Department, told The Capital in an email interview. 

Registered sex workers undergo Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) testing for syphilis and Gram Stain (GS) testing for gonorrhea before being issued a pink card, which is only granted if all tests are passed. Those who fail the required tests will receive treatment at a Social Hygiene Clinic, followed by a repeat GS test after two weeks. 

“Manila Health Department plays a vital role in preventing the spread of Sexually Transmitted infection among sex workers and their client under the City Ordinance No. 8349 otherwise known as Manila City STI/HIV and AIDS prevention and Control,” Rufino said. 

Overcoming stigma 

Zammy also shared that club entertainers, also known as Guest Relations Officer (GRO) and Contractual Companion/Assistant (CCA) face stigma because of societal prejudices that link them with obscene and illegal activities, affecting their access to legal protection, social welfare, and, above all, health benefits. 

One of the workers she handled faced difficulties in accessing government assistance due to the stigma attached to sex workers.  

"Merong isang worker, her name is Ashley...Meron siyang problem sa personal life niya, then nagkaroon siya ng mental health issues. While she's working, medyo nalulong siya sa droga noong mga panahon na ‘yun,” she said. 

“May mga panahon na kapag ilalapit mo siya sa government, parang medyo hesitant pa nabigay or mag-provide ng tulong kasi doon ang trabaho niya...Based on my observation lang sa mga nakasama ko, doon sila hirap na hirap,” she added.  

Until now, the Philippine government does not recognize sex work as legal work. Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code states that women engaging in prostitution are subject to penalties with a fine not exceeding P20,000.  

While Rufino also noted that the Manila LGU coordinates with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) by conducting job fairs and skills training programs, there are no specific measures aimed at formally recognizing sex workers as part of the labor sector.  

“Sana one day, mamulat ‘yung mata ng mga tao na ‘yung pagwo-work sa club is different din sa pag-wowork sa labas (street prostitution),” Zammy said. 

On the other hand, Elmer Labog, chairperson of labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno, suggested that sex workers should be included in labor protection and unionization efforts, highlighting that it is the government’s duty to look after sex workers. 

“In the first place dapat ‘pag [naging government official] ka, katungkulan mo kasi na i-provide [sa] mga mamamayan [ang] disente at nakabubuhay na trabaho,” he said. 

Labog also said there is a need to educate the society about sex workers, who, he said, had no choice but to opt for sex work as their job. 

“They are forced to migrate and find better opportunities in the cities,” Labog said. 

He pointed out that the lack of government and labor protection negatively affects the way they are being treated by the government, branded as “wrecks of society” as shared by Labog.  

The labor leader also emphasized that the government should provide financial assistance and work benefits to sex workers.  

“Ginagatasan din naman sila ng gobyerno, the government might as well look [into] their welfare,” Labog said.