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SC Celebrates Women Representation in the Judiciary, Observes Start of Ramadan
March 11, 2024
Acting Chief Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando extols women magistrates, stressing that “the judicial world has come a long way from tolerating a male dominated territory to enjoying an increasing population in women representation” at the flag-raising ceremony of the Supreme Court of the Philippines today in Ermita, Manila. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Acting Chief Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando today led the Judiciary in extolling women and in expressing solidarity with the Filipino Muslim community.
At today’s flag-raising activity at the Supreme Court courtyard in Ermita, Manila, Acting Chief Justice Hernando stressed that the Judiciary “has come a long way from tolerating a male-dominated territory to enjoying an increasing population in women representation,” adding: “Women, really, are the ones made of stronger stuff. Their patience stretches miles longer than men. Their diligence and memory for detail get work done extremely efficiently and perfectly, and they are amazingly wired to excel no matter how sleepless or exhausted they are.”
Acting Chief Justice Hernando pointed out that gender equality “has never been about superiority or competition” but is “about respect and recognition.” He shared that while male Justices outnumber women Justices in the Supreme Court, in the lower courts, 55 percent of the judges are female judges. The Acting Chief Justice expressed optimism in having more women judges in the appellate courts. He said: “Their stand and perspectives are indispensable in fairly addressing the prevailing social issues involving gender especially in terms of labor standards, sex-related offenses, and discrimination.”
He also acknowledged that the speed of case dispositions has improved over time as reflected by the latest list of top Filipino judges for case disposition which consist mostly of female judges. Last year, the Court identified and duly recognized the judges of first- and second-level courts that registered the 10 highest clearance rates per judicial region for 2022.
Furthermore, he reiterated the observance of the International Day of Women Judges every 10th day of March. He, however, urged everyone to celebrate female magistrates every day.
For this year, the special “day-off” is observed today, March 11, per Memorandum Order No. 27-2024.
Acting Chief Justice Hernando likewise acknowledged the start of Ramadan tomorrow, March 12, 2024, and expressed the Court’s solidarity with the Muslim community during this holy time of fasting and sacrifice.
The Acting Chief Justice encouraged everyone regardless of religions inclination “to be considerate and be one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in their solemn and strict observance of fasting, prayer, and reflection.”
He expressed the Court’s full support on the observance of Ramadan: “To our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith, the Court expresses its solidarity with all of you during this holy time of the Ramadan. May this sacred month be filled with bounty and blessings, and may all your prayers be answered.”
A prayer for the Muslim community was recited at the flag-raising ceremony by Atty. Mohammad F. Dimaampao, brother of Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao, who is the second Moro to have been appointed to the High Court.
Atty. Dimaampao prayed for “this Ramadan be a time of profound transformation, not just from abstention from food and drink, but from negativity and vice.”
“May the lessons of Ramadan be deeply ingrained within us: patience to endure hardship, perseverance to overcome challenges, forgiveness to mend broken bonds, compassion for those less fortunate, and unwavering sympathy for those in need. Above all, fill our hearts with love and peace, for these are the cornerstones of unity in our land,” prayed Atty. Dimaampao. He added: “May this holy month be a time of bountiful giving, reflecting the true spirit of the Ramadan.”
Also at today’s flag-raising activity, Acting Chief Justice Hernando congratulated the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), the Court’s judicial education and training arm, on its 28th founding anniversary.
The Acting Chief Justice lauded the PHILJA for fulfilling its mandate and for the successful conduct of The Advanced Courses of The Hague Academy of International Law in The Philippines, the recently concluded two-week intensive professional training course on Public and Private international law organized by The Hague Academy of International Law in partnership with the Court and PHILJA.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa are on official leave. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Acting Chief Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando addresses his colleagues and the officials and employees of the Supreme Court at today’s flag-raising ceremony at the courtyard of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He says that it is his first time to be designated as Acting Chief Justice in his six years as a Member of the High Court. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Atty. Mohammad F. Dimaampao of the Office of Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao recites a prayer for the Muslim community at the flag-raising activity of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, in view of the start of the Ramadan tomorrow, March 12. Ramadan is a holiday of prayer and fasting for the Muslim community. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
