SC approves 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability

The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has approved the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability (CJCA), completing Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s three-pronged integrity reform initiative aimed at strengthening ethical standards across the judiciary.

The new code follows the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel, forming part of the Court’s integrity framework under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI), which envisions a “responsive, technology-driven, and integrity-centered justice system.”

According to the high tribunal, the CJCA offers clearer guidance on the core principles of independence, integrity, impartiality, propriety, equality, competence, diligence, and accountability, while adapting to the evolving demands of modern judging.

Key provisions include strengthened rules on conflict of interest and financial disclosure, expanded accountability measures linking ethics to performance and discipline, guidelines on the responsible use of technology and social media, and policies that promote gender fairness, inclusivity, and sensitivity in judicial conduct and communication.

The Sub-Committee chaired by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh crafted the new code following extensive consultations during the 2024 National Ethics Caravan held in Lipa, Davao, Bacolod, General Santos City, and Manila.

On 18 November, a special En Banc session will be held for the nationwide oath-taking ceremony, where all justices, judges, and court personnel will take their Oath of Ethical Conduct under the CJCA and its companion code for court officials.

The CJCA will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation, and after posting on the Supreme Court website.