SC approves code of conduct for court officials, personnel

The Supreme Court En Banc approved the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel, a key deliverable under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027, reinforcing the SC’s commitment to ethical service and institutional integrity.

The new Code updates the 2004 Code of Conduct for Court Personnel to address contemporary ethical challenges.

It includes new provisions on the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence; prohibits accepting gifts, tips, or other gratuities for assisting or attending to litigants, lawyers, or other court users; and mandates the use of gender-fair, child-friendly, and culturally sensitive language across judicial communications.

The Code was drafted by the Sub-Committee led by Chairperson Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, incorporating feedback from nationwide consultations held during the 2024 National Ethics Caravan among stakeholders.

Stakeholders included justices, judges, court officials and personnel, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the academe, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and law students in Lipa, Davao, Bacolod, General Santos City, and Manila.

The Code will take effect 15 calendar days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation, and its posting on the SC website.