Only in the Philippines!

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said that the deeper issue here is that of hidden cameras, saying it should be treated similar to wiretapping, and that internet service providers that aid in the spread of the videos should be punished.

He, however, said that ferreting sex videos over the internet could be futile, since even if distribution of such videos could be illegal in one country, other countries might not have laws against it.

However, Cayetano added that a shame campaign would be the "worst" punishment for Kho, after videos of the doctor-turned-actor having sex with celebrities and models, particularly sexy starlet Katrina Halili, started circulating over the internet. Cayetano said that in the shame campaign, everyone who meets Kho should shout "shame on you!" to humiliate the doctor.

Senators Panfilo Lacson and Miriam Defensor-Santiago said they have also seen the videos, and both favored the suggestion to have Kho's license revoked, adding that due process should be observed.

"I think [there is a need for an investigation] because now it raises the question of how often this is done and how many have been the victims. It is to me a direct affront to our community in terms of our community values. That is the essence of prurience: defying community standards," Santiago said.

"At the very least [the case against Kho could be] unjust vexation. But you can make it a higher or bigger crime because the right to privacy is protected by the Constitution," she said.

Lacson, meanwhile, said that despite not recognizing the victim on the video, he said that it is clear that a woman has been abused and that the perpetrator should be punished "severely."

'Anti-culture'

Santiago added that what Kho has done is anti-culture, and that he should think first before doing it in the country.

"Are Filipinos now indifferent to whether one Filipino would upload certain sex videos? I don't think that we have reached that stage or we shall ever reach it because of our Asian culture. So what he has done is anti-culture," Santiago said.

"That is basically the definition of lasciviousness or lewdness in law. You have to accept community standards. In other words, you have to consider the community in which you are operating," she said.

"If he wants to do this kind of thing, if he gets a kick from it, he has to go to a country where the culture allows it, not in the Philippines," Santiago said.

Palace distancing from issue

Malacanang, meanwhile, despite distancing from the issue, said that if they have to side with anyone in the issue, they would have to side with the alleged victims.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that they would support any of the doctor's alleged victims if they decide to come forward and file cases against Kho and his accomplices, if any.

Ermita said that there are laws that would govern these kinds of transgressions, but the victims should first file a case against the perpetrators before the government could do any action.

He said they are currently monitoring Revilla's filing of a bill that would lessen similar cases.

Violation of RA 9262

The Department of Justice, on the other hand, said that Kho could be charged with violations of RA 9262, or the Violence Against Women and Children Act.

In a memorandum Wednesday, Secretary Raul Gonzalez ordered National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Nestor Mantaring to investigate the "scandal" and file the appropriate cases.

Gonzalez said that Section 3 of RA 9262 clearly states that women should not be used in indecent acts or in making films or shows depicting such, and Kho could be charged even if the woman has given her consent.

The Bureau of Immigration has also placed Kho under its immigration watchlist, to prevent him from leaving the country while the case is ongoing.

"Nag-request si Sen. Revilla cause this fellow might leave. He can be stopped from leaving and we can impose conditions before he can leave. Its good for 60 days," Gonzalez said.

He also said that Kho's accomplice or accomplices, if there would prove to be any, could also be held liable.

Gonzalez admitted that this controversy is nothing new, but he still vented his ire on Kho.

"Its not very uncommon, but the one who is instrumental for doing that should undergo some psychological test. What do you get out of that? Prove manhood or you're just an exhibitionist?" he said.

Source: ABS-CBN News