The Supreme Court (SC) has reiterated its commitment to ending violence against women, emphasizing that the issue demands collective action beyond the judiciary.

On November 27, SC Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, co-chairperson of the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ), urged court officials and employees to prioritize cases involving women and children as part of the Court’s ongoing efforts in addressing gender-based violence.

“Through this yearly initiative, we aim to create a society where no woman feels afraid to walk home by herself, where those who have suffered violence receive justice promptly, and where everyone acknowledges that violence is inexcusable and should not be accepted,” Justice Inting stressed during the Court’s flag ceremony.

The SC joins the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, running from November 25 to December 12, in alignment with its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, particularly its focus on promoting “equal and inclusive justice.”

Justice Inting underscored the need for sustained efforts, noting that while the Philippines has made significant strides in combating violence against women through legislation and judicial reforms, persistent challenges remain.

Fellow CGRJ Co-Chairperson Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez highlighted the transformation of the Judiciary into a more inclusive institution, with female justices and judges playing key roles. 

He cited landmark cases, such as Tan-Andal v. Andal, which have reshaped traditional notions of marriage and family law to empower women.

“Landmark cases like Tan-Andal v. Andal have challenged traditional notions of marriage and family, empowering women to seek justice and rebuild their lives,” Justice Lopez added.

The CGRJ, also co-chaired by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, will oversee several activities in support of the campaign, including yoga sessions for healing, parenting workshops, and an orientation on the Magna Carta of Women.

With the theme “UNiTEd for a VAW-Free Philippines,” this year’s campaign coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act (Republic Act No. 9262).

“The decisions we make and the policies we introduce resonate beyond the courtrooms and have a lasting impact on the attitudes of future generations,” Justice Lopez reminded court personnel.

Follow Tan Briones & Associates on LinkedIn for more legal updates and law-related articles.