Open government is more than a governance framework; it is a movement that champions transparency, participation, and accountability. In the judiciary, these principles are crucial in fostering trust and ensuring justice is not just served but seen to be served. Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh embodies this commitment, advocating for judicial reforms that prioritize inclusivity and gender responsiveness. Her journey and initiatives offer invaluable insights into the role of women in shaping a more open and just society.

For Justice Singh, open government is the bridge between institutions and the people they serve. It is a commitment that ensures laws and policies are not mere pronouncements but living instruments shaped by and for the citizenry. The judiciary plays a vital role in upholding these principles, fostering public confidence and empowering citizens to actively engage in governance.

A significant contribution of Justice Singh to the judiciary is her work on gender responsiveness. As the co-chair of the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ), she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to promote inclusivity:

• Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI): This framework champions efficiency, innovation, and access in judicial processes, ensuring gender responsiveness at all levels of the judiciary.
• Manual and Protocol for Handling Cases of Women in Conflict with the Law (WICL): This initiative provides guidance for the just and sensitive treatment of women entangled in legal disputes.
• Guidelines on Gender-Fair Language and Courtroom Etiquette: These promote sensitivity and respect for persons across the SOGIESC spectrum.
• HerStory Gender Award of Distinction: A recognition initiative honoring outstanding women judges and celebrating gender diversity in the judiciary.
• Legal Feminism Report: A comprehensive examination of two decades of jurisprudence, identifying gender biases and reinforcing the judiciary’s role in addressing discrimination.
• Gender Mobility and Representation Study: Revealing that women now comprise 54.09% of the judiciary, this study highlights progress while underscoring the need for greater representation at the highest levels.

Through these efforts, Justice Singh has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to a fair and inclusive justice system attuned to the lived realities of women and gender-diverse individuals.

The Judiciary, like many institutions, has historically been male-dominated. Justice Singh faced inherent biases early in her career, with her voice sometimes met with hesitation—not because of the merits of her ideas but due to gender-based prejudices. She overcame these challenges by allowing her work to speak for itself, proving that competence, integrity, and vision transcend gender barriers. Today, she uses her platform to open doors for other women, fostering an environment where they can thrive in judicial and governance spaces.

Justice Singh firmly believes that open government transforms lives by making governance and its benefits more accessible. For women and marginalized groups, transparency in public processes ensures fair access to justice, social services, and economic opportunities. A legal system that embraces openness enables women to report abuses without fear and ensures that policies are gender-responsive. The Supreme Court has reinforced this commitment by employing multi-sectoral consultative caravans in the formulation and revision of judicial rules.

Women bring unique perspectives that challenge entrenched systems and advocate for policies that uplift the vulnerable. Justice Singh emphasizes that women’s lived experiences position them to introduce solutions that address cultural and legal disadvantages. In the judiciary and public service, women have championed initiatives that protect victims of gender-based violence, ensure workplace equality, and advance social welfare programs.

By fostering collaboration, empathy, and long-term vision, women leaders contribute to a more holistic and representative governance system.

She credits her mentors for shaping her leadership and service approach. Early in her career, she grappled with disillusionment, questioning the impact of her work. A mentor’s challenge—“Ang dami mong reklamo. Ano na bang nagawa mo?”—prompted her to take action. This realization led her to become a judge, with the belief that even one transformed courtroom could inspire systemic change.

Her message to young women is clear: Leadership is not about pursuing a title but about effecting meaningful change. True leaders focus on what needs to be done, and recognition follows as a consequence of their actions.

Justice Singh envisions a judiciary and government where transparency and citizen participation are not exceptional but standard practices. Judicial innovations should bring justice closer to the people—not as an abstract ideal but as a responsive and real-time service that fosters trust in the rule of law.

Governments and civil society must go beyond token representation to create an environment where women leaders can thrive. Structural reforms should include breaking systemic barriers. providing mentorship programs, enacting policies that support work-life balance, and ensuring women’s voices are actively listened to in decision-making spaces.

Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh’s journey is a testament to the power of open government in fostering inclusivity and justice. Through her leadership, she has paved the way for transformative judicial reforms that empower women and marginalized communities. Her work serves as an inspiration for future generations of women in governance, proving that true leadership is not about titles but about the impact one creates.