By Diana C. Camacho
Fierce is hardly the word that comes to mind when one sets eyes on the delicate physique of Judge Wilhelmina Jorge-Wagan, presiding judge of Branch 111 of Pasay City, or Elma as she is often referred to outside the courtroom. But like a lioness, she is as fierce as she is beautiful.
Notwithstanding her authoritative demeanor in the classroom, her charm and compassionate nature are apparent. Her anecdotes in class about the interesting cases she has decided and the animated way she tells them make her students fall in love with her and with the subject that she teaches. Rightly so, because she advises her students to “love the subject. Because once you love the subject, you will be more determined to study and comprehend and the grade will follow.”
When asked what she would be if she were not a trial court judge, she said she would still be an educator. “Gusto ko talaga na hindi lang ako nagtatanong [in class],” said Judge Wagan. “Most nakikita ko talaga na they find it hard to understand and to relate. I try my best to explain for the benefit of all. Kung baga sa law, general welfare,” she joked.
In the courtroom, she commands respect, although she admits that because of her small stature, lawyers and litigants find it difficult at first to believe in what she does. “Once they get to hear me in my courtroom and once they receive my orders, they have confidence that they will get justice in every case raffled to me.”
One of the most challenging cases she has handled so far was the libel case filed by former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo against Senator Jinggoy Estrada. “It’s not because it was complicated but because of the pressure. Not outside influence, but pressure in the sense that it was too sensationalized,” she recounted.
However, Judge Wagan is not ‘all work and no play.’ She loves to dance and to travel. “Pag nagpapatugtog ako ng dance music, isasara ko chambers ko at sasayaw ako in front of the mirror. Detox ko ’yan.” During her travels, she prefers sight-seeing to shopping and likes going to historical places and museums. Her favorite destinations have been Venice, Rome, and Paris—where she was delighted by the changing colors of the Eiffel Tower with fellow delegates to the World Jurists Conference.
Judge Wagan shares with us her thoughts on the study and practice of law.
thebarrister: Having been a judge for years now, do you think that the judiciary is still male-dominated?
Judge Wagan (JW): At first, it was my notion and understanding that there are more male judges than women judges. But later on, more women were promoted. But during our conventions [for RTC judges] there are still more men than women.
thebarrister: How do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?
JW: In 5-10 years, I hope to be still in the judiciary. If opportunity knocks I will apply for promotion but as I’ve said, I’m more content being a trial court judge because it is more challenging. And as a trial court judge, you can give direct service to the constituents.
thebarrister: What is your advice for law students? For new lawyers?
JW: For law students, alam niyo na when you go to law school you have to strive hard and study although there are professors who will give you more than what you can handle. But for me you just have to take it as a challenge and as a responsibility.
For new lawyers, always remember the Bedan way of ora et labora. And for them to be humble in the courtroom.
thebarrister: What advice can you give women lawyers?
JW: To try every field of the profession because there are no fields in law limited to men. In fact, women can excel more. Women are more devoted in their respective fields.
thebarrister November 2013–March 2014
THE BARRISTER 