FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1431 
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Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
During World War II, hundreds of Filipino women were made victims of military abuse 
in the form of sexual coercion. These women were more commonly known to the world 
as the 'comfort women' of the Japanese Imperial Forces. The 'comfort women' system of 
forced military prostitution included gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation and 
sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death or eventual suicide. Many historians 
conclude' that Japan compelled up to 200,000 Chinese, Korean and Filipino women to 
become sex slaves. 
At present, elementary, secondary and college history books provide very limited 
information, if at all, about the offenses and human rights violation committed by the 
Japanese Imperial Forces upon Filipino women. The Filipino comfort women, the 
unsung victims of gross human rights violations and different crimes against humanity, 
should be given proper recognition for the dreadful ordeal they underwent and, for the 
courage they have shown in continuously fighting for their rights amid strong 
resistance by the Japanese government to formally apologize and provide them 
reparation. 
It is incumbent upon our educational institutions to drive awareness among our people 
about the heroism of the Filipino comfort women. The Department of Education shall 
therefore conduct a complete, objective and historical documentation of the facts and 
events about Filipino victims of sexual coercion during World War II. Every Filipino 
needs to be educated about the lives and heroism of the Filipino comfort women to 
better understand their concerns and support them in their campaign for justice and 
dignity. This bill seeks to give due recognition to the Filipino comfort women by 
including such topic in Philippine history books. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
~~ 
LOREN LEGARDA 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1431 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY BOOKS 
THE LIVES AND HEROISM OF FILIPINO COMFORT WOMEN 
DURING THEJAPANESE OCCUPATION 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatil'es of tlie Philippilles ill 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The lives and heroism of Filipino comfort women during the 
Japanese occupation shall be written and included in Philippine history books used in 
elementary, secondary and collegiate curricula throughout the country. 
SECTION 2. The Secretary of Education shall issue the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
SECTION 3. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be 
charged to the appropriations for the Department of Education 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. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the 
Official Gazette or in any two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,