PAMPANGA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has once again called for just and meaningful reparations for Filipino comfort women and their families, emphasizing that time is running out for the Philippine government to seek redress and recognition for the few remaining Malaya Lolas.

Hontiveros made this appeal after meeting with the nonprofit organization Malaya Lolas, which is composed of Filipino survivors of sex slavery.

“Labing-walo na lang ang natitirang Malaya Lolas. They cannot wait any longer,” Hontiveros said.

She added, “President Marcos and the entire administration must make good on their promise to extend aid and assistance to them. Hindi dapat hayaan ng ating gobyerno na pumanaw sila nang hindi nakakamtan ang hustisya para sa kanila.”

Hontiveros also visited Bahay na Pula, a site where the Japanese Imperial Army committed acts of sexual violence against the Malaya Lolas.

“Bahay na Pula has been torn down, leaving only its foundation behind. I hope this can be undone. Sana i-rebuild ito at gawing memorial site para sa lahat ng victim-survivors ng wartime sexual violence,” she said.

She continued, “Bukod dito, sana gawin ng gobyerno ang lahat nang paraan para ma-recover ang nawawalang Comfort Woman statue na dati nang inilagay sa Maynila at tinanggal para sa ‘di umano’y drainage project. Masyado nang matagal na pilit tinatago ang malagim na hinarap ng ating mga lola. It’s time we commemorate this and learn from it.”

Senator Hontiveros has introduced Senate Resolution No. 539, calling on the government to ensure fair and substantial reparations for Filipino comfort women and their families, following the Philippines’ criticism by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Hontiveros has previously authored legislation combating sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation.

The UN panel stated that the Philippines did not adequately uphold its treaty obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women by failing to seek redress for comfort women.

📷 Office of Sen. Risa Hontiveros