Department of Justice (DoJ) Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez has been named among People Asia’s Women of Style & Substance for 2026, honoring her efforts to expand free legal assistance and advance programs for incarcerated women.

The annual award recognizes women whose professional accomplishments and public leadership create meaningful social impact.

Gutierrez, one of the youngest undersecretaries at the DoJ and currently one of two women in the role, oversees initiatives bringing legal support to underserved Filipinos and persons deprived of liberty.

“It reaffirmed my belief that the law is at its most meaningful when it protects ordinary people and restores their dignity,” Gutierrez said.

Under her purview, the DoJ provides free legal aid, guidance, and referrals through its DoJ Action Center and local DoJ Katarungan Offices. Gutierrez also reaches broader audiences as host of “Legally Speaking,” a broadcast program that breaks down complex legal matters for the general public.

A central focus of Gutierrez’s advocacy includes support for incarcerated women, an interest formed during her student visits to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong.

“There were so many mothers inside. Many committed crimes because of poverty,” Gutierrez recalled. “That experience made me realize how complicated life can be, and that many people simply need someone willing to help them find a second chance.”

Through public and private partnerships, Gutierrez has facilitated access to legal aid, medical services, educational programs, and vocational training for women in correctional facilities to aid their community reintegration.

Gutierrez joins a 2026 honoree cohort that includes International Olympic Committee member Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, journalist Glenda Gloria, Mayor Tin Antonio, astrophysicist Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, Chef Quenee Villar, Jessica Sy, Shiela Valderrama, Shyla Tan and Dr. Nelda Valencia-Eufemio.

The honorees appear in the August-September 2026 issue of People Asia, featuring Atasha Muhlach on the cover, and will be formally recognized at a ceremony on 29 September 2026.