NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PBBM To Look Into Malaya Lolas Case
Photo credit: PCO
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that the government will be taking actions on the Views of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on the case of the Malaya Lolas, in line with his administration's commitment to women's empowerment, gender equality, and the creation of a compassionate and inclusive society.
While the government maintains its previous position on the admissibility and merits of the case in view of national jurisprudence and treaty obligations, President Marcos Jr. expressed recognition of the grave atrocities endured by brave Filipino women during the wars of the 20th century and commiserate with them as they bear the long-term and irreversible physical and psychological effects of the war. He also acknowledged their indomitable spirit and dignity in taking this important cause forward through the years.
The President emphasized that the administration upholds the primacy of human rights and values the well-being of all Filipino women and girls. They strongly uphold women's rights and push for gender equality as inscribed in their national laws, their treaty obligations especially under the CEDAW, and other international human rights instruments.
As a result, President Marcos Jr. has instructed the relevant government agencies to look into how they can appropriately address the concerns of the Malaya Lolas. Government agencies concerned are formulating a comprehensive response to the CEDAW Committee and will submit this within the required period. The President committed to undertaking measures and finding ways to help them live better lives as an expression of their continued deep solidarity with them and of their utmost respect.
The Malaya Lolas are a group of Filipino women who were sexually enslaved during World War II by the Japanese Imperial Army. They have been seeking reparations and justice for their suffering for decades. The CEDAW Committee has previously issued a decision calling on the Philippine government to provide compensation and other forms of redress to the Malaya Lolas. With this recent statement from President Marcos Jr., there is hope that the government will finally take meaningful action to address the plight of these brave women.
While the government maintains its previous position on the admissibility and merits of the case in view of national jurisprudence and treaty obligations, President Marcos Jr. expressed recognition of the grave atrocities endured by brave Filipino women during the wars of the 20th century and commiserate with them as they bear the long-term and irreversible physical and psychological effects of the war. He also acknowledged their indomitable spirit and dignity in taking this important cause forward through the years.
The President emphasized that the administration upholds the primacy of human rights and values the well-being of all Filipino women and girls. They strongly uphold women's rights and push for gender equality as inscribed in their national laws, their treaty obligations especially under the CEDAW, and other international human rights instruments.
As a result, President Marcos Jr. has instructed the relevant government agencies to look into how they can appropriately address the concerns of the Malaya Lolas. Government agencies concerned are formulating a comprehensive response to the CEDAW Committee and will submit this within the required period. The President committed to undertaking measures and finding ways to help them live better lives as an expression of their continued deep solidarity with them and of their utmost respect.
The Malaya Lolas are a group of Filipino women who were sexually enslaved during World War II by the Japanese Imperial Army. They have been seeking reparations and justice for their suffering for decades. The CEDAW Committee has previously issued a decision calling on the Philippine government to provide compensation and other forms of redress to the Malaya Lolas. With this recent statement from President Marcos Jr., there is hope that the government will finally take meaningful action to address the plight of these brave women.
May 13, 2023
