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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) Q y
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) (6 RECEIVED <i
Second Regular Session ) ZX DATE February 12, 2024 ¢
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ae

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House Bill No. 9919

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES LANI MERCADO-REVILLA, BRYAN B.
REVILLA AND RAMON JOLO B, REVILLA Ill

AN ACT SEEKING TO INTEGRATE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES EDUCATION ON
PHILIPPINE WOMEN VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF WARTIME SEXUAL
COERCION, SLAVERY, AND VIOLENCE DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION
OF THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

By delving into our nation’s historical roots, the next generation can effectively guide
the country into a promising future.

Victims and survivors of wartime sexual coercion, violence, and slavery during the
Second World War have persistently sought an official apology and just legal reparation from
Japan. Despite the veracity of this issue, justice has remained elusive for them. Therefore, the
least, yet most crucial action we can take is to acknowledge and perpetually remember their
struggles and plight.

It is noteworthy that on March 8, 2023, the United Nations Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) issued its Decision in Communication
4155/2020 (Natalia Alonzo, et al. v. The Philippines), finding that the Philippines, as a State
Party, failed to fulfil its obligations under the CEDAW Convention. Among the
recommendations is the integration of the history of Philippine women victims and survivors
of wartime sexual coercion, violence, and slavery into the curricula of all academic institutions.
This remembrance is pivotal for a sensitive understanding of the history of human rights
violations they endured.

Throughout previous Congresses, both at the House of Representatives and the
Senate, bills of similar nature have been filed but never reached the plenary. However, during
the 14" Congress on April 23, 2008, the Philippine Senate adopted Resolution No. 59,
acknowledging the plight of these women, by commending Tomasa Dioso Salinog, also known


as “Lola Masing,” for her courage and unwavering determination to pursue justice for Filipino
survivors of sexual slavery.

In this revised version of the bill, we assert our support for a more conscientious use
of terminology, favoring the phrase “victims and survivors of wartime sexual coercion,
violence, and slavery” over the term “comfort women.” The latter is a translation of the
Japanese term “ianfu,” which means “a woman who gives ease and consolation,” a
euphemized term that refers to “military prostitutes.”’ The use of this term is without regard to
questions on the willingness of these women to enter the so-called “comfort stations.”
Furthermore, it limits the sexual abuses committed against them. A more politically sensitive
term accords these victims and survivors the dignity they deserve.

Given these considerations, we earnestly request the immediate passage of
this bill.

REP. IERCADO-REVILLA

“AGIMAT Partylist
2" District of Cavite

REP. RAM JOLO REVILLA Ill
1st District of Cavite

"Wang, Q. E. (2019). The study of "comfort women": Revealing a hidden past—introduction. Chinese Studies in
History, §3(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094633,2019. 1691414


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No, 9919

=.

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES LANI MERCADO-REVILLA, BRYAN B.
REVILLA AND RAMON JOLO B. REVILLA Ill

OO

AN ACT SEEKING TO INTEGRATE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES EDUCATION ON
PHILIPPINE WOMEN VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF WARTIME SEXUAL
COERCION, SLAVERY, AND VIOLENCE DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION
OF THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the fundamental
role of educational institutions in the inculcation of patriotism and nationalism, respect
for human rights, and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical
development of the country. In the same manner, the Philippines remains fully
committed to women’s rights pursuant to its duties under international and domestic
laws.

Consistent with the foregoing, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to
fully recognize, through the inclusion in the curriculum, the struggles and plight of
Filipino women victims of sexual coercion, slavery and violence in the hands of the
Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.

SEC 2. Integration of Wartime Sexual Coercion, Slavery, and Violence
Education in Curriculum. - The Department of Education (DepEd) and the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are hereby authorized and directed to adopt
measures to integrate education on the sexual coercion, slavery, and violence
committed during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the curriculum of all
public and private elementary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

SEC 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be charged to the respective appropriations of the DepEd and CHED
under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sum as may be


necessary for its continuous implementation shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and CHED shall,
within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate their respective rules
and regulations, including those of disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the
provisions of this Act.

SEC 5. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may
be declared unconstitutional or invalid shallnot have the effect of nullifying
other portions and provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions
can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SEC 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, proclamations, and
administrative regulations, or any parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are revoked, repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 7. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,