Sparked by the much-publicized controversy between cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hayden Kho and actress Katrina Halili, vendors of pirated digital video discs (DVDs) in Cebu have reported a surge in consumer demand for sex videos.

According to many vendors in downtown Cebu, all of whom requested anonymity, customers have been coming to their sidewalk stalls and hidden kiosks since Wednesday asking for copies of the sex videos.

A vendor along Colon Street in Cebu City's Parian district said some customers are specifically looking for copies of the "sex scandal" video of Halili and Kho. Other more demanding customers are reportedly asking for compilation DVDs containing copies of all Kho's alleged sex videos with his former lovers.

One minor said that he and his friends had scoured almost all the pirated DVD stands in the downtown area for a copy of the sex video after failing to find it online. He said that they have been curious about it ever since they heard about it in the news.

The vendor said that pirated DVD sellers like herself have requested copies of the sex videos from their suppliers and that they expect the bulk of the goods to arrive in Cebu this weekend. Limited copies are reportedly circulating in the area but are reserved for suppliers' choice customers.

Prompted by the high demand for the sex video, vendors said they will price it higher than their usual products. Compared to regular DVDs which cost about P60, the "Katrina-Hayden sex scandal" will be priced at a whopping P150 per copy.

Although news of the sex tape between Halili and Kho had surfaced since last year, the controversy was magnified in the news when Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., in his privilege speech at the Senate on Tuesday, harshly criticized Kho for the sex tape.

Revilla called on the Professional Regulation Commission to revoke Kho's license and to bar him from practicing medicine. It was unclear, however, why Revilla chose to take up the issue.

Kho had recently issued a statement asking for forgiveness from those who were hurt by the controversy. Halili, meanwhile, has already filed a formal complaint against Kho. Report by Carine M. Asutilla, ABS-CBN Central Visayas.