SC aims for inclusive, compassionate, responsive judiciary

The Supreme Court (SC) is moving towards the creation of a judiciary that is more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive.

This was emphasized by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jean Paul Inting in his remarks during the third Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) for the judiciary for the Bohol courts held from 30 July to 1 August 2025 at the Modal Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol.

AJ Inting, a proud Boholano, emphasized in his opening remarks the SC’s ongoing effort to embed gender mainstreaming in the judiciary. He said, “We are moving towards creating a judiciary that is inherently more inclusive, more compassionate, and truly responsive.”

The training was led by Associate Justices Inting and Jhosep Y. Lopez, Co-Chairpersons of the SC Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ). It aimed to strengthen gender awareness and encourage gender-responsive practices among judges and court personnel in the province.

“This effort transcends simple policy adjustments or procedural changes; it is a profound reaffirmation of our core responsibility: to ensure that justice is not just administered, but genuinely experienced by everyone.”

He encouraged the participants to view the training as a catalyst for change that sparks dialogue, challenges old mindsets, and inspires lasting action. He added that these steps will help the judiciary uphold dignity, promote equality, and respond to society’s changing needs.

Justice Inting also noted that the GST forms part of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI), instituted by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.

“The SPJI envisions a judiciary that is ‘modern, transparent, efficient, and accountable’ – one that responds effectively to the evolving needs of our society. In line with that vision, gender sensitivity is not a peripheral concern, but a central pillar of judicial excellence. It affirms that justice must be rooted not only in law, but in fairness, empathy, and inclusion.”

Justice Lopez took a pioneering role as the first SC justice to serve as a resource person for the GST initiatives under the SPJI. On the last day, he gave a lecture on “Gender-Fair Language in the Judiciary and Gender-Fair Courtroom Etiquette,” a key feature of the Revised GST Module of the CGRJ.

“[T]his training goes beyond refining language or correcting behavior. It is about cultivating a deeper understanding of respect, inclusion, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of sex, gender identity, or expression.”

Justice Lopez emphasized that gender sensitivity is not a passing advocacy but a permanent and principled commitment—both a constitutional mandate and an ethical responsibility that supports justice, fairness, and equality.

Retired SC Associate Justice and PHILJA Vice Chancellor Edgardo Lao Delos Santos opened the first day by urging participants to approach gender sensitivity with awareness, empathy, and the courage to challenge norms. He expressed hope that they would leave the training better equipped to address gender-based disparities and promote respectful, inclusive environments.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega, Chairperson of the Technical Working Group on the Revised GST Module of the CGRJ, lectured on gender-fair language and courtroom etiquette on the first two days of the training and delivered the closing remarks on the third.

The three-day training also featured sessions on Fundamental Gender Concepts; Gender Images in Relation to Gender Concepts; Sexual Harassment, Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), and the Safe Spaces Act; Recognizing and Handling Gender-Related Issues; and an open forum for individual reflections on gender-sensitive behavior in and out of the workplace.

Lecturers included Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jose Lorenzo R. Dela Rosa; Presiding Judge Ana Teresa T. Cornejo-Tomacruz, Branch 157, Regional Trial Court, Pasig City; Presiding Judge Kirby G. Javier, Branch 166, Metropolitan Trial Court, Pasay City; Presiding Judge Mark Anthony D. Polonan, Branch 8, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Iloilo City; Deputy Clerk of Court and Judicial Reform Program Administrator Atty. Laura C.H. Del Rosario; and SC Office of the Chief of Service Senior Chief Staff Officer Atty. Antonio Y. Ocampo, Jr., Procurement Management Services.