Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh discussed her cancer battle and advocacy for gender equality in the judiciary during a Rappler interview. The episode aired on March 27 as part of Rappler Talk. As co-chairperson of the gender responsiveness committee, she pushes for reforms to better serve women in the legal system.
MANILA, Philippines – After nearly four years on the Supreme Court bench, Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh has made significant impacts through her advocacy for gender equality and access to justice.
As co-chairperson of the judiciary's committee on gender responsiveness, Singh seeks equality in government appointments amid disparities between male and female appointees. She addressed this in an interview with Rappler justice reporter Jairo Bolledo.
She is also leading the development of a manual and protocol for women in conflict with the law. This serves as a step-by-step guide for the entire criminal justice sector—from law enforcers and prosecutors to public attorneys, judges, court personnel, jail administrators, and community reintegration—to address the unique needs of female persons deprived of liberty.
Recently, Singh publicly shared her fight against cancer. “Get up again and fight another day,” she said in the Rappler Talk episode, reflecting her resolve.
The special episode aired on March 27 at 6 p.m., covering her personal battles alongside pushes for legal reforms and gender equality in government.
