[0:00]Welcome to the Supreme Court Podcast.
[0:11]All opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of the Supreme Court. For clarity, the text of the decision prevails.
[0:23]On February 15, 2022, the Supreme Court issued AM number 21-11-25-SC, which outlines the guidelines for the use of gender-fair language in the judiciary and gender-fair courtroom etiquette. The guidelines promote the use of non-sexist language in official documents, communications, and issuances related to court processes within the judiciary. They also apply to the daily work of every judicial officer and employee. Led by the Supreme Court's Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary or the CGRJ, the guidelines were developed as part of the court's ongoing efforts to address and combat sexist language in the judiciary. In fact, the Supreme Court had to address the use of non-gender fair language by both a judge and a prosecutor in the course of a nullity of marriage case decided by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court. The Supreme Court specifically took issue with the language used by the trial court judge and the prosecutor during court proceedings related to the petition for the declaration of nullity of marriage filed by Aiko Yokogawa Tan in 2016. Yokogawa Tan cited psychological incapacity as the grounds for her petition. The trial court dismissed the petition due to insufficiency of evidence. This was upheld by the Court of Appeals, prompting Yokogawa Tan to elevate the case to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ultimately reversed the lower court's rulings, declaring Yokogawa Tan's marriage null and void, after finding clear and convincing evidence that Tan was psychologically incapacitated to fulfill his essential marital obligations. More importantly, the court used this opportunity to remind judges and prosecutors to be mindful of their language. What is gender fair language in the judiciary and gender fair courtroom etiquette? Why should members of the bench and the bar be mindful of using such language? Hi, I'm attorney Mike Navalio, Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer. It's the 28th of March 2025 and today we talk about the use of gender fair language as reiterated by the Supreme Court in the case of Aiko Yokogawa Tan versus Janelle Tan and the Republic of the Philippines GR number 254646, decided on October 23, 2023. The decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leon, and joining us to talk about this case is attorney Blessilda Abad Gamo, member of the Philippine Judicial Academy's Department of Legal Writing, Research and Methodology. Hi attorney Blessie, thanks for joining us and welcome to the Supreme Court podcast. Hi attorney Mike. Thanks for having me. Thank you for joining us. Now attorney Blessie, an interesting topic. Right. So what is this concept of gender fair language? Um, when we say gender fair, what's the logic behind it? Well first, actually like anything sa batas natin, in our law, it all it all uh is traced down first with our Constitution, right? So in our Constitution, we have policies which stated that we value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human and also another policy um, ensuring the fundamental equality of women and men before the law. So with that, of course, in time na ini-issue ang ating legislative like RA 7192 or Women in Development and Nation Building Act, which is geared towards gender fairness and the Magna Carta for Women. And so, of course, as a reaction to that, we have gender fair language and the keyword here is fair. It should aim at reducing gender stereotyping and discrimination. So there are two principal strategies when you do this. Um, one is neutralization, so uh you try to avoid reference to gender and feminization. So you also strengthen, of course, the feminine side when it's needed, of course. So use of gender in communication should be about its relevance. So if it's relevant and necessary to acknowledge someone's gender, that's the time when we differentiate and kung hindi naman siya relevant, we should not differentiate basically. So it's really about being sensitive to the listener or the receiver of the communication or our audience. And I was looking at the text where one of the clauses of of the rules on gender fair language in the judiciary that the Supreme Court issued. And one of the stated goals there is that the use of gender-fair language should help address unequal structures and practices that perpetuate discrimination and inequality in society. How do we make the case that when you use gender-fair language, you're actually helping to achieve that goal? Of course. So because you see, sexist language devalues members of one sex and it's usually women and uh other uh genders. Um, it fosters gender inequality. So it's actually about time that we learn how to use uh gender fair language in our profession. So kasi, the way the more we use stereotyping sa language, it of course um comes out also in our habits and in the way we treat people. So given all the policies we have in the Constitution and all the uh legislative enactments, we have to move towards that direction. Right. So it's like saying that word is power. So the kind of words that we use will have an impact on the way we do things and the way we relate to each other in society. So usually, mayroong saying what you think will come out in your words and of course what you say will eventually affect your actions. So that's what we should guard ourselves against. So if our decisions, our pleadings come out and it's uh it goes out to to everyone, lumalabas talaga 'yan sa tao. So we really have to start with our words so that it will eventually affect our actions. Right. And I'm curious about how the Supreme Court came about uh with passing the guidelines on the use of gender fair language in the judiciary and gender fair courtroom etiquette. Could you tell us briefly how this came about? What prompted its adoption? Well first, as I mentioned earlier, of course it's found the basis is in the Constitution and eventually some laws. But primarily, um we have the 2022 um issuance but even before that, we've already had in 2006 an admin circular um which advocates for the use of gender fair language in the judiciary. So um, it's been a long time and then when ultimately, the Committee on Gender Responsiveness, which is headed by uh Justice Amisi Lazar Javier, they issued already the the new uh memorandum. So that was triggered, I think by RA 11313 or the safe spaces Act, which prohibits and penalizes several forms of gender-based sexual harassment.
[7:54]So, uh language, inaayos natin because it actually comes out it affects your behavior, which is gender-based sexual harassment. So we try to even things out and strengthen other genders. Mhm, mhm. And what are some of the basic rules that we can remember or we should remember to ensure that we are compliant with using gender-fair language? Perhaps very concretely if we can cite some examples, but if there are general guidelines, just for us to understand because sometimes we often forget that some of the words that we're using are in fact and reinforcing stereotypes or perhaps we're not sure that they are in fact not gender fair language. So anong pwede nating tandaan, attorney Blessie? Okay, if you look at the issuance of the court, AM number 21-11-25-SC, um there are, I think, five main headings. And actually, if you can see, um it's it all starts with eliminate. So if you look at the circular or the issuance of the court, um it's divided into five parts and it's it all starts with the word eliminate.
[9:11]Um because I think in our culture na very masculine, there are habits talaga that we want to remove and fix. So we're actually removing things rather than it will follow to learn new things, but as of the moment, we really have to unlearn certain habits in the way we use our words. So we have the first part, which is eliminate language, written and spoken that excludes or renders invisible persons or of another gender and or people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics. So that's one. And then another part says eliminate language that trivializes or diminishes the stature of person of another gender. And then eliminate language that disparages and marginalizes persons of another gender. So 'yung mga your condescending words. And then eliminate language that fosters unequal gender relations. So basically, um the rules is like what I mentioned before, it's really being just being sensitive and knowing when it is necessary to address gender and when it is not. So kung hindi kailangan um to relate something to someone's to a person's gender, you don't have to, we should try to avoid it. Mhm. And and to be very concrete about this uh, attorney Blessie, for example, sometimes we use words like man. To say that man is kind, man is inherently greedy or what. What can be an alternative to that? Instead of just saying man or mankind. Of course, instead of using man, yeah, we can use person. So actually issuance ng court, it gives concrete examples. Para talaga siyang um, grammar book or ano, parang ganun. So it will give you examples and it will actually pinpoint to you things na you didn't think was uh gender insensitive na you thought you were just using it without meaning to be uh to undermine a certain gender. But andun, 'pag come to think of it, it is there. And then there is an alternative. Ang maganda doon sa issuance ng court, it provides for an alternative and it would probably lead you to explore on your own what um other options when you encounter a a term that's um probably generic na masculine. So for example, um under 'yung first um set of rules ng court, it says the use of generic generic masculine words. So as you mentioned, instead of using man, you could use person and instead of using mankind, you could use humanity. So there are alternatives. Hindi ka lang siguro sanay to use it, but it is there and if you practice it, you'll get the hang of it. And then there's also 'yung pronouns, unwarranted use of masculine pronouns. For example, instead of using his client, you could say their clients, so that there's also some examples in the issuance of the court with regard to the use of pronouns. Because I remember before, when we were studying grammar classes back in elementary, I would recall that um the rule was if you mentioned a generic name, then the pronoun should be male if it refers to a person and female if it refers to a thing, like for example, mother earth. So you refer to earth as her.
[12:53]But apparently, now that's not gender fair because we're stereotyping humans as men, well things are female or or women. So I didn't realize that until, you know, you suddenly come to read all these uh guidelines. It's also another way of trying to rethink about how you view things and how our rules on grammar are actually being made and how it develops through time. Yes, 'yung nga 'yung mother nature. Uh, well, it wasn't meant to actually, I don't think it was meant to be condescending to women, but then again, it's it's about how nurturing um a mother's, and then so 'yun 'yung stereotyping na ano, babae lang 'yung nurturing or something na 'yun lang ang trabaho ng babae to nurture everyone else or something. And and sometimes, we're not even aware. minsan we use house boy, housemaid, kasi lalaki siya, so houseboy, babae siya, housemaid. But we could use an entirely different term to refer to them without stereotyping or without um, without using gender insensitive language. And it can come even in the form of like um positions, 'di ba? Barangay chairman, uh, or chairman siya ng company, But you can use other terms to refer to the position without being insensitive. Precisely. So actually, 'yan medyo relevant talaga 'yan now. 'Yung uh certain 'yung chairman, um it it seems that it's exclusive for the male gender, 'yung pagiging head of a an organization. So that's one of the uh basic rules provided, the use of masculine terms for professions, occupations and roles. It goes both ways, actually, na while you don't want to use masculine terms, the use of sex linked modifiers. You don't want to use also 'yung too masculineized uh certain profession also. So 'yun nga, 'yung uh when you use 'yung lady doctor or female lawyer. You don't want to say na na you have to say that the doctor, uh lady doctor, na hindi pwedeng doctor lang siya or lawyer lang siya, female lawyer pa.
[15:23]When the generic term of lawyer is sufficient to qualify that particular person. Mhm. So whether lalaki, babae. I mean, why is this, why is the guideline like this, um attorney Blessie? 'Pag sinabi ba nating female lawyer, that implies na normally ang lawyer lalaki. So therefore, we feel the need na lagyan ng female lawyer when in fact, anybody can be a lawyer whether male or female. Ganon ba 'yung parang implication, we say, for example, lady guard, 'di ba? Sometimes we hear that all the time. Pero unintentionally pala there's a sort of diminishing the role or or may unintended consequences. Is that how it works? Precisely. So 'yun nga, it's a habit. Para kasi when you have to say female lawyer for them to become a lawyer, kailangan mo pa na to acknowledge them, lalagay mo pa 'yon as if it's relevant 'yung gender niya. When if you're just referring to her as to her profession, hindi naman relevant that she's a female or uh lady guard. They're doctors, as professions and their their gender have nothing to do with the way they perform their professions. Mhm, mhm. And this is uh one more aspect um of this uh attorney Blessie. For example, uh you're writing your thesis, you're writing a pleading and you're supposed to cite language uh which is sexist. So how do you go about it? Do you just quote and you put some brackets on it to replace the sexist material, the sexist language, or do you paraphrase it? What's your guide? I know you teach uh legal writing in the Philippine Judicial Academy. Yeah, yeah. Um, so you see, part of the rules issued by the court is you eliminate language that fosters unequal gender relations. So in words and phrases, which lack parallelism, you don't use it. So for example, you're citing something and mayroong you use terms that are are gender insensitive or sexist language. Usually when you block quote something, you have to quote it as is. So your option would be to either paraphrase it as a whole and make it gender neutral. Or there's also the other term, um the other way of putting sick or SIC in brackets to acknowledge that, kasi 'yung sick, if you see it sa mga articles when they write it. It's used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous. So it's to acknowledge that. And then uh and then you could probably, if you want, you could put a sentence after that paraphrases it in the way that it that is gender neutral. Mhm. Right. And the Supreme Court guidelines actually extends to not just language but even decorum or etiquette inside the courtroom. Um, so how should lawyers, for example, address each other inside the courtroom or regard, for example, a litigant, a witness, even minors? How should we go about it? Um, usually, um, for lawyers, according to the guidelines, you should address them neutrally, like counsel or attorney. Uh, for non-lawyer litigants, um, mister, miss, sir or ma'am, uh, you try to avoid using Madam Plaintiff, Mr. Plaintiff and refrain from Mr. Witness or Madam Witness. You could just call them, um, actually, when I, when I cross-examine a witness, I would usually ask for their names and then ask if I could call them, do they call you, by their name. So I to avoid it. And then so that's my own practice. 'Yung sa referring to other counsels, may habit kasi tayo na, well, it's a term of endearment amongst lawyers, 'yung pañero, pañera. Pañero, pañera. Siguro for me, comfort zone mo lang din, uh, some people if they're trying to try to tone down 'yung formalities with uh fellow lawyer. Oh, pañero, pañera. So usually 'yun 'yung nagagamit na term. Pero hindi siya explicitly pinagbabawal sa guidelines, 'di ba? Ay hindi, wala naman 'yun doon, but it's just I'm just citing an example na, well, there are terms talaga like 'pag Pilipino. Medyo mahirap din actually 'yung 'yung gender fair sensitivity when it comes to other languages. So 'yung 'di ba syempre 'yung guidelines natin are particularly English. Um how to fix it 'pag English. Tapos um to in writing. So it's easier to apply actually when it's English language or in writing. Pero siguro 'yun, siguro naman when you're in court and while uh during the hearing, 'yun, you try to as much as possible use counsel, attorney. Right. I also note though na in Tagalog or Filipino, uh hindi very pronounce 'yung different sa pronoun. 'Di ba? Unlike in in English na his or her. Parang sa Filipino or Tagalog, walang his or her, 'di ba? You just refer to sa kanya or so in a way, partly sa Filipino, may both minsan mahirap, minsan madali din. But attorney Blessie, uh going back to courtroom etiquette, there's also a provision here in the guidelines about how you address minors. Right? Ah, papaano ba dapat? Because ang usual, 'yung ako eh, 'pag mayroon before, when I would meet an older lawyer in court, tawag sa akin iho. I mean, that's also another way of endearment, 'di ba? Parang ganun. But partly, there's a better way of addressing them. Yeah, precisely. Well, 'yan, hindi ka naman minor, 'di ba? Pero minsan 'pag ka tinawag, iniho ka or iha, parang condescending eh, parang parang newbie. It's it's sort of a term 'pagka ganun, 'di ba? So, yeah, when it comes to that, kasi 'yung iho, iho means little boy or little girl, 'di ba? So, pretty much the same as what I said a while ago, you could ask their nickname, um, 'yan, Alice, Oh, ganun. How are you? Sometimes even the the minor would be more comfortable with that also when you address them by their name. So, yeah, you could use that. And then what else should we keep in mind? Aside from the words that we use, our conduct inside the courtroom. What's a reminder from the Supreme Court about this? Primarily it's really respect and sensitivity. Actually, that's what this um circular is about. It's being respectful and sensitive to everyone, not just fellow lawyers, not just to the judge, but to the litigants, the parties, witnesses, even the court staff. It's about respect. What if you're sensitive enough to think about the way you address someone? I think you'll be respectful in other matters. Mhm. And interesting that we're talking about the guidelines, attorney Blessie, because um there's a bit of a discussion in one case referring to the use of gender fair language. Uh and that's the case of Aiko Yokogawa Tan versus Janelle Tan and the Republic of the Philippines. The court drew attention to the language used by the lower court and the prosecutor. Um if you could share with us very briefly, uh what prompted the court to actually call attention to the use of language by both the court and the prosecutor. I know this is a petition for nullity case, but uh somewhere during the exchange between the court and the prosecutor, some gender insensitive language were used. If you can share with us. Okay. Yes. So actually, I appreciate how the court is very proactive when it comes to advocating 'yung gender sensitivity. While it may not be the issue right in the court, they acknowledge this and they took time to raise it in this decision. Probably to educate and to, not to warn naman, pero to remind our judges and our and the lawyers as well about this uh gender sensitivity in our uh in our courts. So as you said, it is it was an annulment case. The issue on gender fairness or gender sensitivity came up when the uh, the wife was placed on the witness stand. Mhm. Okay. So the decision was opened with a statement made by the petitioner on the witness stand, sabi nung witness, "Sir, nauna po 'yung marriage. So apparently, they got married first before I found out that he has a child with the other. Because I know that he has a girlfriend, I didn't realize na may baby talaga sila. So that's the scenario. So pinakasalan niya, hindi niya alam na may girlfriend pa. Hindi niya alam na may baby. Uh, so probably but while perusing through the records or and the decision of the lower court, the court saw some practices or habits of the judge as well as the prosecutor in the non-gender fair language in their decision as well as in the line of questioning of the prosecutor. So the court said, believing that the respondent had not been faithful to her, despite knowing fully well that the latter had another girlfriend, other than her, prior to their marriage, here comes the petitioner paying to this court that her marriage to the respondent be declared null and void on the ground of psychological incapacity of the respondent under Article 36 of the new Family Code. And then eventually, the court noted that in the decision, uh the lower court said, both women being pregnant, it became a contest as to who should win the guy. The petitioner appears to have won when she got the blessings of the respondent's parents to marry her. So, uh, the fact that the court made it seem like there's a contest between the the wife and the other one, it disparages the witness's, the the party, made it seem like they were um, trying to fight over the the guy.
[26:07]And then uh the court pointed out that during the cross-examination, the prosecutor um had a follow-up questions. Uh for example, So you're the winner. So, you're the winner. So, pinilit mo lang ba siya? Ganun ba ang ibig mong sabihin? So those kinds of languages should not be found in or in the courtroom. If it's not even relevant to proving their argument and 'yun, so it just makes the witness uncomfortable and probably everyone else there. And it embarrasses the witness unnecessarily. It sort of trivializes the whole situation. You're talking about marriage and yet you're reducing it to a sort of contest uh in in the both in both the language during the hearing and in the decision of the court. So, maybe that's what prompted the Supreme Court to call out this uh this practice. And in your uh in your uh years in teaching in Filja and your your years in practice, attorney Blessie, how often do you encounter cases like this where whether wittingly or unwittingly, either a court decision, a prosecutor, or maybe perhaps a lawyer in any of the pleadings, inadvertently uses gender insensitive language. You know, I think again, it's our culture. Parang it it happens a lot. And it happens na uh as if it comes out just naturally. And everyone usually would respond with laughter. Probably 'yung ano 'yan 'pag Pilipino, when they're uncomfortable or they don't know how to react, they would laugh at it. Uh and then So it would seem like it's okay. So that's probably one thing that I see some jokes or 'pagka meron they find an opening to have to to make a joke especially for example sa LGBT group. Minsan may nasabi, oh and then they'd say you're you're gay or 'yung bakla, ganun. Lumalabas talaga. Naturally. And I'm thinking the court or the lawyer wants to to make a light moment of something. 'Di ba? Minsan may tendency tayong ganun, Pilipino parang, "Oh", making it, "relax?" So lumalabas talaga 'yun and usual reaction would be tumatawa na lang tayo, ganun. And 'yun, that reinforces it. While it, you probably just don't want to make an issue of something. You're there to um defend your case. So ayaw mo ng ano. It reinforces it, right? Mhm. And in fact, I recall, um there was a case a few years ago where a group of lawyers, may prosecutor, may professor, were reprimanded by the Supreme Court for laughing at a certain judge or certain judges and questioning their uh gender identity, for example. So that the court seems to be placing really a huge importance on gender sensitivity and gender fair language in its recent rulings. And so far, attorney Blessie, how in in recent years, how compliant have lawyers been with respect to the guidelines? Because I know that the guidelines were passed in 2022. Well, kung, actually, ngayong I looked at the history of this, ang tagal niya na, right? So, parang 2006 pa lang meron na talaga. And ano na ngayon, so almost, well, give and take, pwedeng 10 years na rin, almost a decade na siya. Tingin ko 'yung compliance, malayo pa siya sa what we would want. But then the efforts are there, um which is admirable naman. And at the very least, may awareness na sa profession. Um 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance kasi it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na, binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast. Um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step. Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson. They'll stop use 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, yes.
[30:37]So, learning curve siya and it's hard to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas mahirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step. Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things.
[32:26]Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[32:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[34:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[34:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[36:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[36:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[38:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[38:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[40:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[40:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[42:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[42:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[44:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[44:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[46:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[46:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[48:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[48:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[50:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[50:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[52:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[52:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[54:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[54:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[56:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[56:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[58:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[58:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[1:00:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[1:00:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[1:02:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[1:02:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[1:04:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[1:04:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[1:06:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[1:06:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages. Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time. It takes time. May learning curve, um, which is good na binababa ito. It's good that we discuss it here in the podcast, um, just so to start things, get people thinking, um, making that first step.
[1:08:20]Probably, they'll stop using chairman and say chairperson, they'll stop 'yung 'yung mga simple things. Actually, if you read the issuance of the court, medyo overwhelming siya. Parang nag-aaral ka ulit ng ano ng grammar, oo.
[1:08:37]So learning curve siya and it's part to unlearn. So you really first, before you learn new things, you have to unlearn it. So ang minimum is that I am happy about is there is awareness. Um it will take time pa, but we just keep on doing things, um kasi 'yun nga, I have nothing against older lawyers, pero syempre 'di ba 'yung it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Mas hirap din sila. Mas hirap lang sila. But if they see probably the newer lawyers or judges following this, they will follow suit. Kasi, 'yun naman ang nakikita nila. And as I mentioned earlier, 'yung uh sa English siya mas particular. So sometimes when we use uh dialects or uh Filipino in in the courtroom or in our pleadings, siguro some parts of it uh mahirap siya itawid pa. 'Yung gender sensitive, baka walang counterpart or ganun or ganun talaga sa dialect nila. So those things, probably, 'pagkatapos 'tong English and nasanay na, maybe susunod na rin 'yung sa mga dialects or in Filipino languages.
[10:00:00]Mhm. Uh, 'yun nga lang 'yung compliance, it's hard to unlearn things that's been there for the longest time.
