A month after Women’s Month, feminist leaders, advocates, and youth groups called for attention to the failure of policy enforcement and systemic neglect faced by prostituted women in Davao City. 

Talikala, Inc. Executive Director Jeanette Laurel-Ampog underscored that while protective laws exist, the problem lies in its implementation.

“While it is there in 11862 na ipenalize ang mga buyer na mopalit og babae diha sa Central Bank, wala’y nigamit ani na balaod— even the law enforcers are not using this,” Ampog said.

Republic Act No. 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, criminalizes the purchase of sex, but according to Ampog, the law is rarely acted upon by authorities.

“Use the RA 9208 amended by 10364 expanded by 11862 para madakpan ang mga customers… Unta kung dunay customer na madala sa police station, gamiton unta ni para madakpan tong nipalit.”

Gabriela Women’s Partylist third nominee Dr. Jean Lindo echoed the same sentiments, citing the state’s continued failure to provide comprehensive protection. 

“Wala pa rin tayong protection against violence, trafficking, and exploitation. Kulang tayo sa safeguards of rights, health, and well being,” Lindo said.

“Importante yung counselling services, importante ang exit programs. Women are willing to leave prostitution but if you do not have any support systems, then hirap pa rin sila; so the services have to be comprehensive… so that they will be able to reintegrate  society.” 

Ampog also criticized the continued use of the “pink card” as an intervention for public health in Davao. 

Under the City Health Office, pink card holders—primarily women employed in establishments offering entertainment services—are mandated to take periodic laboratory tests, including screenings for sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

“It protects men but never the women. Bisan magpacheck-up sila, magpatambal sila, katong mga lalaki na naka-infect sa ila kung dili magpacheck-up, moadto na sad mga laing babae they will again affect other women.”

Lindo also questions this reality, stating that this is only a way for women to actually earn.

“We actually see prostitution as a survival strategy for women. So, we question why they had to be criminalized and not the exploiters.”

Moreover, Ampog underscored that prostitution must be viewed not as work, but as a form of human rights violation. 

“For us, there should be no one to be subjected to cruel treatment, inhuman and degrading treatment. For us they lose the right to be human in the eyes of others and in their eyes; they don’t consider themselves human tungod sa ilahang mga nasinati.”

Ampog further stated that this issue cannot be addressed by targeting women alone.

“When we look at prostitution, we don’t single out women; because prostitution will not thrive, will not flourish if these three actors [bought, buyers, business] are not present.”

Lawig Bubai Chairperson Lory Pabunag also emphasized that this form of oppression is caused by a patriarchal system that favors men figures over the women. 

“Kung tan-awon nato, isa siya ka proma sa patriarchal na sistema—ginadominar jud siya sa kalalakihan. Naa’y kwarta ang lalaki, siya ang naa’y gahum, powerful siya [and] anything pwede niya ipabuhat sa babae.”

Young Feminists Collective Mindanao Member Jhoanna Cayanan urged youth participation in the movement, calling prostitution a “symptom of a bigger ill.” 

“Sometimes, issues are very fast-paced. For example, dagha’g dimensions; face-to-face, karon kay online na sad but since we’re able to be cognizant, we’re quick to notice the changes, to adapt our actions, and to tailor fit that in order to be able to help the sector.”

“The intention of even wanting to help is already commendable. It doesn’t have to always be grand na need nimo mag-organize og ingon ani na events, it really starts individually within yourself,” Cayanan said. 

Cayanan emphasized that the youth carries a huge role in this initiative as they are the ones who carry the future and also the present.

“We are often seen as the future, pero oftentimes we forget that we’re also the present… Even if we’re young, we don’t need to be older in order to be significant enough to act. We don’t need permission to speak up because as young people, we are not just affected, we are not just observers, we are activated. The fight against systemic abuse always starts with the youth.”

The forum also featured a gallery walk exhibit in partnership with Our Stories, Our Voices, which visualized the lived experiences of prostituted women and other marginalized communities and victims of gender-based violence. 

Dilag 2025: Paglaya sa Tanikala was the second phase of Dilag, an advocacy campaign led by AB Communication students of Ateneo de Davao University in partnership with Talikala, Inc., aiming to champion the rights of prostituted women in Davao City. 

The event was held last April 22, 2025 at the 7th floor, Finster Auditorium.