Two prominent DAILY TRIBUNE columnists, DivinaLaw Managing Partner Atty. Nilo T. Divina and Department of Justice (DoJ) Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, have been named among the Top 50 Influential People in the Philippines, as recognized by Rising Tigers Magazine, InCharge Magazine, and TopNewsAsia.
Their inclusion in the prestigious list highlights their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public service, law, and societal change.
In a Facebook post on Monday, DivinaLaw celebrated the recognition, writing, "Atty. Divina was recognized in the field of Public Service and Leadership."
In addition to his distinguished legal career, Divina is a respected educator, serving as the Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law.
He is also an accomplished law professor, published author, and columnist.
Recently, Divina was also honored by the City Government of Caloocan as the "Most Outstanding Public Servant" during the 2025 Annual Outstanding Citizens Awards Night, further solidifying his reputation as a leader dedicated to serving his community.
Meanwhile, Gutierrez was recognized for her transformative work in justice and her leadership of the Department’s Communications Cluster and the DoJ Action Center (DoJAC).
In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Gutierrez expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am deeply humbled to be named among the 50 most influential people in the Philippines, particularly in my capacity as Undersecretary of the Department of Justice. This recognition is not just a personal achievement; it’s a profound reminder of the vital work we do to uphold justice and drive progress in our nation."
Gutierrez also thanked those who have supported her mission, stating, "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and faith in the mission we collectively share. Together, let us forge a brighter future for all Filipinos, one where justice prevails and every voice is heard. Our journey is just beginning, and I am committed to working alongside each of you to transform our vision into reality."
Appointed in March 2024, Gutierrez has led efforts to provide free legal assistance through DoJAC and has focused on aiding Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) seeking early release through the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) program.
"The organizers carefully selected the most influential in the Philippines right now. They are from different industries but share the same characteristics: determined, a leader, and making an impact in society today," Rising Tigers Magazine stated on their Facebook post.
"When we say influential, they are effective in what they do, with great influence on a lot of people, a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events. We also invited those from different industries who are shaping the nation today," they added.
The inclusion of Divina and Gutierrez in the Top 50 Influential People in the Philippines highlights their tireless efforts in leadership, justice, and public service.