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Monday, March 10, 2025
Women judges: Champions of reform and gender equality
Mar 10, 2025 00:10 AM
On March 10, the world observes the International Day of Women Judges, a global recognition of the indispensable role that women play in upholding justice and strengthening the rule of law. This observance is particularly significant for the Philippines, where women judges have been at the forefront of judicial reforms aimed at ensuring fairness, accessibility, and efficiency in the country’s legal system.
Just days before this global commemoration, the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) convened from March 5 to 7 at the historic Manila Hotel. This gathering was not only an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women in the judiciary but also a platform to assess the progress in implementing the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI).
With Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo’s vision for a technology-driven and people-centered justice system, the PWJA members tackled major judicial reforms, including eCourt PH Version 2.0, the Unified Legal Aid Service, gender-fair language and courtroom etiquette, the revised rules of procedure in Shari’ah courts, and the establishment of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals.
The International Day of Women Judges serves as a reminder that justice systems must reflect the societies they serve. The presence of women in the judiciary not only enhances diversity but also enriches decision-making by incorporating varied perspectives in interpreting and applying the law. In the Philippines, where more than half of the judiciary is composed of women, their leadership in judicial innovation has been instrumental in advancing the rule of law.
Three major takeaways from the PWJA conference highlight the significance of this year’s observance:
First: Technology as a Pillar of Judicial Reform
The rollout of eCourt PH Version 2.0 marks a crucial step in modernizing court processes. By integrating digital systems, automating case management, and enhancing transparency, the judiciary aims to streamline procedures and reduce case backlogs. Women judges, many of whom have championed technology-driven solutions, play a critical role in ensuring that this transition prioritizes efficiency without compromising judicial integrity and accessibility.
Second: Gender Sensitivity in the Courts
The judiciary must be a safe and fair space for all individuals, and the PWJA’s emphasis on gender-fair language and courtroom etiquette reinforces this commitment. Words shape perceptions, and by eliminating biased language, judges foster a culture of inclusivity. Furthermore, revised protocols ensure that gender sensitivity is embedded in courtroom procedures, ultimately strengthening public trust in the justice system.
Third: Expanding Access to Justice
The introduction of the Unified Legal Aid Service and the enhancement of Shari’ah court procedures are significant milestones in making legal assistance more accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. By institutionalizing a streamlined approach to legal aid, courts can provide better support to those in need. Women judges, who often witness firsthand the barriers faced by indigent litigants, are strong advocates for these reforms, ensuring that justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.
Beyond these reforms, the Herstory Gender Awards of Distinction, which will be conferred during the PWJA gathering, recognize trailblazing women in the judiciary who have paved the way for greater gender equality. May these inspire future generations of legal practitioners and further empower women in leadership roles.
On the International Day of Women Judges, we celebrate the resilience, wisdom, and dedication of women in the judiciary. The judiciary must continue championing initiatives that foster a fair, modern, and gender-responsive legal system—one that upholds justice not just in principle, but in practice.
BAHALA NA!
Ever since I was a kid, I often heard the phrase/expression, "Bahala na.", usually in reference to being presented with something that's beyond one's control and leaving the outcome up to fate, GOD, or to the heavens.
In later years as I grew up, I was exposed to many philosophies, religions, and histories of a wide array of people. One of those was of the Vikings. Now, as I've understood it, the equivalent to the Christian idea of "Heaven" is the Norse "Valhalla".
Learning of this, it always piqued my curiosity if the Vikings ever traveled to the Philippine Islands and if, possibly, the origin of that phrase/expression of, "Bahala na!" has roots leading back to the Norse's "Valhalla".
From the sheer goodness of one's heart - are we really doing even small things for our fellow creatures? Hey, don't you see it? We are becoming more and more uninterested. We live without concern. We are not making the difference. We don't even try or think about it. We have no influence or weight - neither good nor bad. Is that really what we want?
The taxi driver has learned his way and makes a detour without his conscience pricking him in taking my purse: "Nong, asa ka? Diretso lang!" ... "Sorry Sir!"
On the other hand, while walking a short distance somewhere down town, I don't care about the (blind?) beggar, who might really need a single centavo. Many other "business beggars" or swindlers have dulled my usually open handed character. Bahala na - suddenly, I don't care!
Several years ago, while riding a Jeepney (yes, I always loved to do so!), I listened to two passengers. "You know, our neighbor suffers from lung cancer. He asked me for a loan because he needs to be hospitalized." "And, what did you do?" - 'Wala, nothing, bahala siya. Why did he never quit smoking as I have told him already a long time ago!"
Well, here we are! Why should I help other people around me, if, on the other hand, MY cries of help or urgent appeals have been rejected, as intentionally unanswered? Indifference or egoism? It seems to be a privilege for us to close our eyes, ears, and mouth in such an indifferent and shameful way, that we hurt those who seek our attention.
Somebody tries to become our friend. Sure, why not?
Somebody was hired as a leader and needs the support of his or her staff. Sure, why not?
Somebody is ill and is suffering from persecution and needs us. Sure, why not?
Somebody needs our advice because he or she is facing a difficult decision or homelessness or living alone or losing the job. Sure, why not?
Somebody suffers overwhelming prejudice, provocation, and loss of reputation and badly needs the involvement of another helping hand. Sure, why not?
Because of indifference, we keep on destroying our good nature and the whole globe by unintentional or international contamination of the environment. Indifference allows wars instead of looking for peace. Indifference allows man to hide behind stupid excuses. Indifference goes so far that the employees of a company do not care about their work and jobs by wasting time and money. They must not be surprised if inevitable bankruptcy results.
Bahala na? I don't care? Another human scourge...!
AUDIOJUNKIE: Girl-group Raya lets loose
Mar 10, 2025 07:11 AM
AT A GLANCE
But these days, the word will represent something else. It will mean sass, verve, and energy. It’ll also mean sugar, spice, and everything nice, as it's now the moniker of a new P-pop group called, you guessed it: Raya.
The word “Raya” has diverse origins and meanings. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the term is associated with greatness or grandness, like in the phrase “Hari Raya,” which means grand celebration or feast. The word is also akin to the Sanskrit “rajan” and the Hindi "rajah,” a title bestowed to kings and princes. In the Philippine south, the latter term has ties to the royal lineages of old.
But these days, the word will represent something else. It will mean sass, verve, and energy. It’ll also mean sugar, spice, and everything nice, as it's now the moniker of a new P-pop group called, you guessed it: Raya.
This vivacious sing-and-dance-pop group includes nine young ladies: Abel, Anna, Ash, Aviona, Jemima, Kash, Priscilla, Rona, and Sofia. In the tradition of Pinoy pop, they are the product of "a curated group of talents who can perform at a high level and individually, each offering their own unique star power," so to speak.
According to Raya’s label Viva Records, the group is still pre-debut. But in the fast-paced world of Pinoy pop, you have to launch-quick or get left behind. So, Raya dropped a quickie single with a cover of a Manila sound-era gem in “Bongga Ka Day!”
While it retains elements of the original, this is not your grandma’s disco-themed Coco Banana (look it up!) pop anthem. Raya’s “Bongga Ka Day!” has been put through the wringer and out comes this candy-coated, synth-pop tinged bop. Raya’s energy on this record is infectious, and their sparkle and fizz propels this forward. They don’t go overboard though and still leave much of the original melodies to appreciate here. And there’s a bit of fascination too when I think of the almost 50-year gap between Raya and Hotdog, the original singers of tune. I doubt that the girls of Raya will ever get to wear a Pitoy Moreno, whose name was mentioned in the song, but they ace the “bongga” part beautifully. I mean who doesn’t like bubblegum pop now and then? Check out their performance video for “Bongga Ka Day” for some visual cotton candy.
And zinging up sparkly gems is the order of the day for Raya. Still not their “official debut” mode, Raya recently dropped a performance video cover of Sarah Geronimo’s “Kilometro” on YouTube. Now R&B inflected dance with a club vibe seems a better fit for Raya. For one, they got the vocal duties down pat, which is saying something, as this is originally a Sarah G track. Second, they can strut their stuff, as they do decked in denim glam outfits whilst performing in an all-white rehearsal space. If these pre-debut singles are a portent of things to come, then Raya is off to a good pre-start.
If you’re already surfing YouTube, check the music video for Rob Deniel’s single titled “Happy Ending.” I haven’t had the chance to listen to Rob’s latest and “seeing” it with the official music video completes his vision for this particular song for me. Rob is one of the leading proponents of retro pop right now; naturally “Happy Ending” falls under the category. But beyond pop music categories, Rob is just dropping one catchy song after the other. This one included. The MV shows Rob Deniel in day-dreaming mode, wondering what it would be like to end up with a cutie like Hyacinth Collado who’s the eye-candy in this Kelvin Guzman-produced, Jason Max-directed video.
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