Philippine's endorsement of Japan's stance betrays its own sufferings

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends a news conference for delivering a statement marking the 70th anniversary of World War Two's end, at his official residence in Tokyo August 14, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Instead of criticizing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for not reflecting on his country's bloody World War II history in his Aug 14 statement, Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario hailed the "strong friendship" between Manila and Tokyo. In a statement on Saturday, del Rosario said Japan had "acted with compassion" since the war, which had resulted in a relationship "characterized by trust and unfailing support in so many fields". Comments:

An apology is certainly not the magic wand of regional reconciliation, but it is na?ve to think it doesn't matter. Revisionists complain that Japan has already apologized numerous times, but they overlook the fact that prominent conservatives always publicly repudiate every apology, thereby keeping Japan behind the eight ball of history. Regrettably, such revisionists are trying to nurture self-righteous nationalism from an airbrushed past, oblivious to the damage they are inflicting on Japan's reputation. Whose trust do they imagine they are winning? What honor is gained by shirking responsibility?

Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies, Temple University, Japan, Aug 15

He (Shinzo Abe) wants a gag of silence. That is unacceptable. You can't commit a crime and set conditions ... Our grandmothers didn't set conditions when they were victimized. The women are demanding an "unequivocal apology", an acknowledgment of the war brothels and compensation from the Japanese government. I am very angry because Japan does not want to close this chapter. Will they wait for another 80 years? 100 years?

Rechilda Extremadura, executive director of Lila Pilipina, a Philippine group representing dozens of former "comfort women", Aug 15

Japan wants to fill the power vacuum left by the United States as it loses its hegemony and play a more assertive role in regional security. To that effect, Japan has reached some military agreements with countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam that are engaged in territorial disputes with China. Given the volatility in the region, Japan would do well to follow the precepts established in Article 9 (of the country's pacifist Constitution).

Cesar Chelala, a guest commentator with Japan Times, Aug 15