Philippines’ first sexologist faces uphill task after ban against her ‘prurient’ TV show

The classification board took issue with the programme’s September 6 episode, accusing show participants of discussing explicit themes such as sexual experiences and fantasies, as well as using “inappropriate language” in talking about masturbation, anal sex and oral sex.

Cruz, who is the first Filipino to be certified by the American College of Sexologists, told This Week in Asia she was shocked and saddened by the news.

She argued a distinction was needed between educational and exploitative content that sensationalised sex, instead of indiscriminately banning material that was remotely sexual.

“Labelling educational content about sex as prurient shows existing stigmas and misinformation surrounding sexuality. Such labels can perpetuate a cycle of silence and shame, hindering open and healthy discussions about sex,” Cruz warned.

The show was meant to open up conversations on sex and educate its audience about sexual health as well as related topics such as relationships, consent, and sexuality in a respectful and informative manner, Cruz said.

To label the themes of her programme as “prurient” was to overlook its educational value, she added.

The ban comes amid the country’s teetering attitudes towards sex and reproductive health in the past decade. Although the Philippines signed the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act in 2012, the move was met with some resistance.

Lawmakers face continued pressure from Catholic Church leaders, who in 2011 said the reproductive health law was “anti-life” and would encourage promiscuity among youth.

In 2015, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against contraceptive pills and implants, which was widely criticised by health groups and women’s rights advocates.