National Memorial Day for Comfort Women bill pushed

MANILA, Philippines — To commemorate the lives of Filipino women who suffered during the Second World War, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas filed a bill declaring August 14 as the National Memorial Day for Comfort Women.

In a statement on Monday, Brosas confirmed the filing of House Bill No. 8859 — to ensure that Filipino women’s hardships during that time are remembered.

“The comfort women were victims of sexual violence and exploitation, subjected to unimaginable suffering and trauma. It is our duty to remember their stories and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated,” Brosas said.

“The bill will serve as a reminder to future generations about the importance of upholding human rights and standing against all forms of violence and exploitation. It is a step towards ensuring that the stories of the comfort women are remembered and that their fight for justice is never forgotten,” she added.

If the bill is enacted, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and other pro-women organizations will be tasked to work together regarding raising awareness for the said event.

Funding will be charged against the Gender and Development budget of government agencies and local government units.

Reports indicate that around 200,000 women from South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the Philippines suffered under the hands of Japan’s Imperial Army during the Second World War, as soldiers used them for sexual exploitation.

gsg/abc