Solon warns public of contracting HIV/AIDS through dating apps

A party-list lawmaker has warned the public of the dangers of contracting sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS through the pervasive use of smartphone-based dating and "hook-up" apps.

"I believe it's everybody's right to be happy, but you can't stay happy if you aren't healthy," Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Representative Jericho Nograles said in statement.

"Sadly, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country is very real. In fact, the Philippines has the fastest-growing number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the Asia-Pacific. This virus isn't something that you can simply swipe off," he added.

Citing data from the United Nations, a GMA News Unang Balita report on Monday said the Philippines has the fastest rate of increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the Southeast Asia.

At the end of 2016, there are about 10,500 HIV cases in the country --- a 140 percent jump from 4,300 cases recorded in 2010.

"These smartphone apps make connecting with new people easy and fun as if you were just playing a game. And when we play games, more often than not we don't give much thought about the consequences of our actions," he said.

"The reality is, thanks to technology, casual sex has never been easier. In the light of the HIV/AIDS situation in the country wherein infections are on the rise, precaution is a must," he added. — RSJ, GMA News