MANILA, Philippines – Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh has been at the High Court chamber for only nearly four years, but she has already made waves through her advocacy on gender equality and access to justice.

As the co-chairperson of the committee on gender responsiveness in the judiciary, Singh is seeking equality in government appointments due to the disparity between male and female appointees.

The associate justice is also spearheading the creation of the manual and protocol for women in conflict with the law, which will be a “step-by-step guide for the entire criminal justice sector on the unique needs of female persons deprived of liberty; from law enforcers to prosecutors and public attorneys, to judge and court personnel, to jail administrators, up to community reintegration.”

Recently, Singh shared with the public her fight against cancer and her realizations after facing the tough battle.

On this rare occasion, Singh sits down with Rappler justice reporter Jairo Bolledo to talk about her personal battles, as well as her push for legal reforms and gender equality in the government.

Watch this special episode of Rappler Talk on Friday, March 27, at 6 pm. – Rappler.com