The Supreme Court (SC) has conferred the 2026 HerStory: Gender Award of distinction on three women judges in recognition of their exemplary achievements in the judicial field.

SC Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, President of the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA), led the awarding ceremony during the association’s 31st Annual Convention on March 4, 2026, at The Ruins in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Among those present during the ceremony were Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, and Associate Justices Henri Jean Paul Inting, Rodil Zalameda, Samuel Gaerlan, Jhosep Lopez, Jose Midas Marquez, Antonio Kho, Jr., and Maria Filomena Singh.

In her opening remarks, Lazaro-Javier reflected on the resilience and strength of women magistrates.

Women in the Judiciary often navigate unique challenges that shape their character and affirm their commitment to justice, she said.

“Today, I can proudly say that the hearts of women judges are more than enough. Our hearts are strong without being hardened. We are= compassionate without being weak. We are firm in principle, yet deeply human. We stand in our own strength. And our hearts, as women judges, have always been exactly what this profession needs," Lazaro-Javier said.

"We have hearts with unwavering resolve, yet rich with empathy, minds guided by wisdom, and spirits shaped by the nurturing

strength of a mother,” she added.

Presiding Judge Sita Jose Clemente, Branch 16, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Malolos City, Bulacan, emerged as

the recipient of the 2026 HerStory: Gender Award of Distinction. 

Clemente is a Philosophy graduate of the University of Santo Tomas and law alumna of San Beda College.  She took specialized training in family law, women’s rights, and child protection. 

Presiding Judge Maria Lina P. Gonzaga, Branch 42, RTC, Bacolod City and Presiding Judge Maria Sophia T.

Solidum-Taylor, Branch 31, RTC, Manila were named First and Second Runners-Up,

respectively.

Gonzaga is a Psychology and Law graduate who also pursued nursing studies. She joined the Judiciary in 2022. She previously served in agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Police Commission, and the Civil Service Commission before becoming Senior Assistant City Prosecutor in Bacolod.

Solidum-Taylor is a Political Science graduate of Adamson University and law alumna of Ateneo de Manila with advanced legal

studies at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the University of Santo Tomas. Appointed to the bench in 2014, Solidum-Taylor is recognized for her rehabilitation programs for persons deprived of liberty.

She also has a Kariton Project,” that supports impoverished drug accused and their families through livelihood initiatives.