Ehem, In the Philippines, especially urban areas like Metro Manila, we are “flooded” with billboards. We are surrounded by advertisements of scantily clad attractive men and women. But these sexy billboards arouse our sexual impulse and sexual fantasies. It distracted our attention and makes us imagine that this of man/woman is the type I would like to have a sexual intercourse. They are the object of our desire. Its human nature to be curious about sex. For example, the sexy billboard of So-en Garments models wearing only bras and panties and Bench male model wearing only the skimpiest underwear make our libido explodes. The problem is men (even women) who see the sexy billboard distracted their attention when crossing the street or driving a car. It causes accidents to the people. Sex in billboard ad has stirred controversy for many years. In 2003, the Napoleon brandy posted their sexy billboard all over Metro Manila with the ad message, “Nakatikim ka na ba ng Kinse Anyos?” with a young woman smiling and holding the brandy. This made a public outrage because it degraded the dignity and honor of the youth and women in general. Does it convey there are no more virgins in the Philippines? The sexual content is implicit, yet direct! This resulted in the protest of more than 550 people, convenors, and organizers with the CBCP and Gabriela joining in. It is unbefitting to the dignity of Filipino women, they say.

I conclude, therefore, sexy billboard should not be allowed to put up in the streets and buildings that connote sexual message and image. It makes models an object of desire, it causes accidents. It robs both the models and the consumers of human dignity and honor. Sex sells, yes, but only when used in “good taste.”