Atty. Maria Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon: Lawyer • Public Servant • Governance, Women's Rights & PWD Advocate

Atty. Maria Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon is a distinguished Filipino lawyer, public servant, educator, and advocate whose career spans law, government auditing, elections, public administration, women's rights, disability rights, and good governance.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Atty. Guanzon pursued her legal education at the UP College of Law and earned a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she was an Edward S. Mason Fellow and Class Marshal.

Her distinguished public-service career includes serving as Commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) and later as Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Her work in government has been marked by a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, institutional integrity, and the responsible stewardship of public resources.

Advocate for Women's Rights

Atty. Guanzon has also played an important role in advancing women's rights and protection against gender-based violence. As a Consultant on Women's Rights and Children's Rights, she helped draft Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (Anti-VAWC) Act of 2004. She subsequently authored "A Primer on Republic Act No. 9262: The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (Anti-VAWC) Act of 2004 and Barangay Protection Order (BPO)," published by the University of the Philippines Law Center. The publication reflects her continuing work in educating communities and public officials on the legal protection of women and children.

Her work in this field demonstrates her long-standing commitment to protecting women and children, strengthening access to justice, and promoting gender-responsive governance.

Advocate for Persons with Disabilities

Atty. Guanzon is likewise an advocate for the rights, dignity, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Her advocacy focuses on strengthening government support and social protection for PWD communities, improving access to services and education, and ensuring that marginalized sectors have a meaningful voice in public policy.

She has actively participated in disability-rights initiatives and public discussions promoting greater awareness of the needs and rights of PWDs, including support for stronger government programs, social protection, and Special Education.

A Career in Public Service

From her early work in local government to her leadership roles in constitutional commissions, Atty. Guanzon has developed a unique breadth of experience in law, public administration, government auditing, elections, policy, and civic engagement.

As a former COA Commissioner, she gained extensive experience in government financial management, auditing, accountability, and the proper use of public funds. Her subsequent service as a COMELEC Commissioner further strengthened her expertise in election law, electoral integrity, and democratic institutions.

Today, Atty. Guanzon continues to use her legal expertise, public-service experience, and strong public voice to advocate for good governance, transparency, accountability, women's rights, PWD rights, social justice, and meaningful citizen participation.

Areas of Expertise

Public Governance & Accountability, Government Auditing & Public Financial Management, Election Law & Electoral Governance, Public Administration & Policy, Women's Rights & Gender Equality, Anti-VAWC Advocacy, Disability Rights & Inclusion, Legal Education, Civic Engagement & Community Development, Transparency & Anti-Corruption Advocacy, Public Leadership & Communication.