LONDON, United Kingdom — Margarita Gutierrez, Undersecretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), presented the Philippine perspective on access to justice during a global forum, emphasizing the need for systems that extend beyond traditional courtrooms to assist those in greatest need.
Speaking at the Philippine Democracy Series 2026, organized by the LSE Filipino Society at the London School of Economics and Political Science on March 24, 2026, Gutierrez concluded Women’s Month with a compelling message centered on a fundamental yet urgent concept: Justice must be experienced, not merely documented.
Reimagining Democracy Through Inclusive Governance
The forum, titled “Reimagining democracy: Participation, Leadership, and Shared Futures,” brought together students, scholars, and members of the Filipino community to explore how governance can become more inclusive and centered around citizens.
Invited to address the topic of Women and the Future of Justice, Gutierrez highlighted the transformative role of women leaders in enhancing accountability within public service, focusing on accessibility, inclusion, and tangible impacts.
“Justice is not defined by the laws we pass, but by whether those laws truly serve the people who depend on them,” she stated.
Drawing from her experiences at the DOJ, Gutierrez pointed out the disconnect between legal frameworks and the realities faced by individuals, citing instances that illustrate systemic delays and obstacles.
Real-Life Examples of Justice Delayed
She recounted the case of a woman who endured over two decades of imprisonment despite a ruling that mandated only a 30-day sentence—an illustration of how procedural failures can extend the reach of injustice.
Gutierrez also referenced the recent exoneration of Maria Salome Crisostomo Ujano, known as “Nanay Sally,” a women and child rights advocate. Her case highlighted the necessity for ongoing legal support and institutional commitment.
“These are the moments when justice stops being an idea and becomes real,” she remarked.
At the heart of her address was the DOJ’s initiative to enhance access through frontline services, such as the DOJ Action Center and the Katarungan Caravan, which deliver legal assistance directly to communities.
Access to Justice as a Moral Imperative
“If people cannot come to justice, then justice must go to them,” Gutierrez asserted, framing access as both a policy priority and a moral duty.
She emphasized that access to justice transcends mere legal provisions; it encompasses the trust citizens have in institutions to respond effectively when they seek assistance.
Gutierrez also underscored the significance of women in leadership roles, not just for representation but for fostering institutions that are more responsive to the needs of the populace.
“When women lead, institutions begin to ask better questions—who is being left behind, who cannot access services, who still has no voice,” she explained.
She stressed that the future of justice will be determined not only by legislation but also by the systems established to serve citizens—systems that must be inclusive, accessible, and accountable.
Encouraging Future Generations
In concluding her speech, Gutierrez urged the upcoming generation to persist in questioning whether institutions genuinely cater to the most vulnerable.
“And if we succeed in building that system, then perhaps one day stories like these will no longer happen,” she concluded.
Bildquelle: ai-generated-gemini
