Philippines row over sex tourism remark by US envoy

 

Teenage girls have been targeted by sex traffickers in the Philippines

The US ambassador to the Philippines, Harry Thomas, has apologised for saying that 40% of male tourists visit the country for sex.

His remark during a conference last month led to a local outcry, with officials unhappy at their country being portrayed as a sex haven.
The US embassy confirmed Mr Thomas had now expressed regret for his comments.
In a text message to a Philippine minister, he said he should not have used the statistic without proof.
Washington has been asking Manila to do more to prosecute foreigners - including Americans - accused of involvement in child prostitution and human trafficking.
The Philippine government has been trying to revitalise the country's tourism industry, which for years has lagged behind those of other Asian countries.

Angeles City

Angeles City is in the Pampanga province of the Philippine Islands on the large island of Luzon. The home of the former Clark Air Force Base, which is now known as the Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City is now home to many retired expatriates (expats) who live there due to the low cost of living and the high entertainment value.

The title of being the entertainment capital of North Luzon is due to the active nightlife in Angeles City. Its entertainment district comes alive as the sun sets in the west. This area is lined with bars and clubs where one can spend the night partying. The place has been described as asleep during the day and awake at night on more than one occasion - even though there are plenty of great fun and shopping spots around the city as well. Other than partying every night, there are other destinations and things to do in Angeles and around in Pampanga.