Petition of comfort women junked

MANILA, Philippines -More than 70 Filipino women sexually abused by Japanese soldiers during World War II lost their bid to ask the Supreme Court to compel the government to demand an apology and reparations for them from Japan.

In denying the petition of Malaya Lolas Organization, the SC said the political branch of government, not the Court should resolve a foreign relations matter like espousing claims of Filipinos against a foreign government.

“Regrettably, it is not within our power to order the executive department to take up the petitioners’ cause,” read the decision.

“Ours is only the power to urge and exhort the executive department to take up petitioners’ cause.”