 There is a vibrant gay scene in the Philippines with several bars, clubs and saunas in Manila as well as various gay rights organizations.Sexual orientation or religion does not exempt citizens from, the now defunct, Citizen Army Training (CAT), although some reports do suggest that people who are openly gay are harassed.On March 3, 2009, the Philippines announced that it was lifting its ban on allowing openly gay and bisexual men and women from enlisting and serving in the Philippine Armed Services.