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

The updated Code replaces the 2004 version to address modern ethical challenges, including the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence, the prohibition on accepting gifts or gratuities from litigants, lawyers, and court users, and the use of gender-fair, child-friendly, and culturally sensitive language in all judicial communications.

The Code was drafted by a sub-committee chaired by Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, following extensive consultations held during the 2024 National Ethics Caravan in Lipa, Davao, Bacolod, General Santos City and Manila. Participants included judges, court personnel, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the academe, civil society groups and law students.

The new Code will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation, and after being posted on the Supreme Court website.