Marcos orders gov't to address concerns of Malaya Lolas

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered government agencies to act on the concerns of the Malaya Lolas.

Marcos issued the statement two months after the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in March found that the Philippines violated the rights of victims of sexual slavery committed by the Japanese Army in World War II.

"While we maintain our previous position on the admissibility and merits of the case in view of national jurisprudence and treaty obligations, we recognize the grave atrocities endured by brave Filipino women during the wars of the 20th century, and sincerely commiserate with them as they bear the long-term and irreversible physical and psychological effects of the war," Marcos said.

"We honor their indomitable spirit and dignity in taking this important cause forward through these years," he added.

The president said he has instructed relevant agencies "to look into how we can appropriately address the concerns of the Malaya Lolas."

Twenty-four members of the Malaya Lolas (Free Grandmothers), a non-profit organization aimed at providing support to sexual slavery survivors, filed the complaints before the CEDAW.

They demanded justice and assistance from the Philippine government.

"These victims, commonly known as 'comfort women' had repeatedly raised their demands in the Philippines, asking their government to support their claims against Japan for reparations for their suffering from the sexual slavery system during World War II," according to a United Nations High Commission on Human Rights news release.

"They asserted that the Philippines’ failure to fight for their cause had essentially resulted in ongoing discrimination against them that continues to this day," it added.

Marcos said government agencies concerned were formulating a comprehensive response to the CEDAW Committee and would  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 outmost respect," Marcos said.

The international body said "the Philippine government violated their rights" by "failing to provide reparation, social support, and recognition commensurate with the harm suffered."

Marcos assured his administration is taking action on the views of the UN body.

He added his administration "strongly uphold women's rights and push for gender equality as inscribed in our national laws, our treaty obligations especially under the CEDAW, and other international human rights instruments."—LDF/NB, GMA Integrated News