Marcos orders government agencies: Help ‘comfort women’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has directed government agencies to respond to the needs of Filipino women who suffered sexual slavery in the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II after the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) reported that the Philippines had failed to help them file claims against Japan.

In a statement on Friday, Marcos said his administration is taking actions on the appeal of 24 Filipina members of the non-profit organization Malaya Lolas for full reparation, social support and recognition of sexual slavery survivors.

Marcos said the government upholds women’s rights and pushes for gender equality as inscribed in Philippine laws and treaty obligations, especially under the CEDAW and other international human rights instruments.

“I have instructed the relevant government agencies to look into how we can address the concerns of the Malaya Lolas,” he said.

“Government agencies are formulating a comprehensive response to the CEDAW committee and will submit this within the required period. We commit to undertaking measures and finding ways to help them live better lives as an expression of our continued deep solidarity with them and of our utmost respect,” Marcos added.

In a decision issued on March 8, the CEDAW said the Philippines had violated the rights of “comfort women” by failing to provide reparation.

According to the committee, the Philippine Commission on Women failed to address what it described as an institutionalized system of wartime sexual slavery and its consequences for the victims and survivors.

The decision, which was issued in response to a complaint filed by the Malaya Lolas, also cited the Philippines’ supposed failure to pass laws and other measures to prevent discrimination against women.

The Philippine government has six months or until September to respond to the findings of CEDAW.

“In line with my administration’s strong commitment to women empowerment, gender equality as well as the creation of a compassionate and inclusive society, the Philippine government is undertaking actions on the views of the CEDAW regarding the case of the Malaya Lolas,” Marcos said.

He said while the Philippines maintains its previous position on the admissibility and merits of the case in view of national jurisprudence and treaty obligations, the government recognizes the “grave atrocities” endured by brave Filipino women during the wars of the 20th century and commiserates with them as they bear the long-term and irreversible physical and psychological effects of the war.”

“We honor their indomitable spirit and dignity in taking this important cause forward through these years,” the President said.

In a statement issued last March, Malacañang said it recognizes the suffering of female victims of atrocious violations that transpired during World War II.

“In this regard, we note that some reparations have been made and the Supreme Court has adjudicated on the matter,” a statement by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said at the time.

“We will study the views of the committee and submit a written response to the committee within six months, as provided for under the Optional Protocol to the CEDAW,” the PCO added.