The Chief Justices of the Philippines and Malaysia underscored the role of women judges and justices in their judiciaries in promoting judicial excellence and inspiring systemic change within the region.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimum Binti Tuan Mat of Malaysia delivered their speeches during the convention of the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, March 6. 

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo during the PWJA covention at Manila Hotel

Chief Justice Gesmundo said the role of women judges and justices in the judiciary is not simply to adjudicate cases but also “to implement and more so, inspire systematic change.”

He told the PWJA members: “Your presence in the bench signifies progress, but its impact must go beyond representation.”

Thus, he said: “You must mentor young minds in the legal profession, break down gender biases within our institution, and create judicial environments where fairness is not just administered but deeply embedded in the system.”

In her speech as guest of honor, Malaysian Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimum Binti Tuan Mat paid tribute to the PWJA which “has long been at the forefront of championing the role of women judges and empowering women in the legal profession through mentorship, advocacy and capacity-building.”

Chief Justice of Malaysia Tun Tengku Maimun Binti Tuan Mat during the PWJA convention at Manila Hotel

She said: “Its (PWJA) steadfast commitment to promoting judicial excellence and fostering a strong network of women leaders in the Judiciary is truly commendable. Its work serves as a beacon of inspiration across our region, demonstrating the pivotal role that women play in shaping a justice system that is fair, progressive and forward looking.”

She also said that the PWJA “continues to pave the way for future generations of women in the legal field, ensuring that their voices and contributions are at every level of the justice system.”

During this year’s convention, the PWJA will assess the gains so far achieved under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) that was launched last October 2022.

The PWJA’s theme for the 2025 convention is “PWJA: Propelling the SPJI to Greater Heights of Efficiency, Innovation, and Access.”

The theme “calls upon us to critically assess and help improve our judicial system, implement forward-thinking solutions, and ensure that justice is not just a principle but an actual reality for all,” Gesmundo said.

The SPJI, now on its third year of implementation, is grounded on four core principles – timely and fair justice, transparent and accountable justice, equal and inclusive justice, and technologically adaptive management.

Gesmundo said the SPJI’s goal “is to achieve Efficiency, Innovation, and Access to ensure responsive and real-time justice that will foster peace and prosperity for our people.” 

“Truly, your involvement and leadership are crucial to the successful implementation of the SPJI and the continued strengthening of the judiciary,” Gesmundo told the PWJA members and officers. 

“With you at the forefront, it will not be long before we can build a more efficient, inclusive, and technologically-advanced judiciary,” he said.

He urged all women magistrates: “Let me call on each of you to embrace this mission with determination and resolve. May this gathering renew our commitment to lead our nation towards the fulfillment of our highest aspirations. Let us work together to enhance the judiciary’s efficiency, harness innovation for judicial excellence, and expand access to justice for all.”

Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimum Binti Tuan, the first female chief justice of Malaysia, said that in her country,  women are well-represented across all levels of the judiciary. 

“Currently, approximately half of the judges in the Federal Court are women, and their representation extends significantly across both the superior and subordinate courts,” she said.

She pointed out that “as more women ascend to the bench, they become role models for young women and girls, showing them that they, too, can aspire to hold positions of authority within the legal system.”

The Malaysian Chief Justice also cited the Philippines’ SPJI.

She said:

“The Philippine Judiciary's Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI), spearheaded by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, stands as a visionary framework for reform.

“The SPJI demonstrates that courts can adopt innovative practices while upholding the core principles of independence, integrity and fairness. In this spirit, regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing among judiciaries can further enrich our collective pursuit of a more just and efficient legal system.

“Malaysia and the Philippines share long-standing legal and judicial ties, built on a foundation of mutual respect, common legal traditions and a shared commitment to justice. Both our judiciaries are dedicated to the continuous improvement of the administration of justice. 

“As legal systems evolve to address emerging challenges, there is much we can learn from one another—whether in promoting judicial diversity, refining court procedures or enhancing judicial practices.

“In closing, let me leave you with this thought: leadership is not defined by position alone but by purpose, perseverance and unwavering integrity. As women in the Judiciary, we bear the responsibility of upholding justice with wisdom and courage. 

“May we continue to lead with conviction, break barriers with determination and uphold the Rule of Law with steadfast dedication.”

Up for discussions during the PWJA convention are the major judicial reforms, including the salient features of eCourt PH Version 2.0, the Unified Legal Aid Service, the Guidelines on the Use of Gender-Fair Language in the Judiciary and Gender-Fair Courtroom Etiquette, the Proposed Revised Rules of Procedure in Shari’ah Courts, and the Office of the Judiciary Marshalls.

There will be interactive sessions on various topics such as the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary, and Code of Conduct for Court Personnel.

One of the convention’s highlights is the “HerStory: Gender Award of Distinction” to honor women judges who have demonstrated exceptional skills and overcome gender-related challenges.

The PWJA is headed by SC Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier as president and SC Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh as executive vice president. 

Thereafter, there will be an election of the new PWJA officers and members of the board of directors.