Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh has underscored the vital role of Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) in safeguarding workplace dignity and preventing gender-based harassment.

Singh emphasized that effective CODI must go beyond statutory compliance and earn the trust of those they are mandated to protect.

She made the statement in her keynote speech at the inaugural National CODI Summit 2026 held on 13 August 2026 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

The summit was organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and carried the theme, “Tindig Babaylan, Pang-aabuso’y Wakasan!”

Addressing representatives from various government agencies, human resource practitioners, Gender and Development advocates and development partners, Singh challenged participants to reflect on what truly defines a workplace free from sexual harassment.

Beyond policies, mandated committees and complaint mechanisms, she emphasized the need to ensure that employees understand their rights, have access to remedies, and can trust that complaints will be handled safely, fairly and effectively.

These, she noted, are the real indicators of a functioning CODI.

Prevention cited

Highlighting the dual mandate of CODIs under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Singh explained that their responsibilities extend beyond investigating complaints to preventing harassment through education, awareness-building and institutional reform.

While addressing misconduct remains essential, she stressed the importance of confronting the systemic conditions that allow harassment to persist.

“A strong CODI, therefore, does more than respond to wrongdoing. It helps build a workplace where wrongdoing is less likely to occur,” Justice Singh emphasized.

She also acknowledged ongoing efforts across government agencies to strengthen their respective CODIs through capacity-building programs, organizational reforms and enhanced workplace policies.

Singh stressed that the ultimate objective is not merely establishing more committees, but creating CODIs that can respond competently, promptly, fairly and effectively when harassment occurs.

Drawing from the Judiciary’s own reforms, she shared initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability, integrity and gender responsiveness.

These include the revision of the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel, the enhancement of disciplinary mechanisms, and the continued implementation of gender-sensitivity education programs for court officials and personnel.