The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has approved two new ethical codes—the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability (CJCA) and the 2025 Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel.
According to the SC, both codes, published on the SC website on November 13 and October 29 respectively, completes what the Court described as a major set of integrity reforms under Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo’s initiative, and forms part of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027.
Code for Judges
The SC said the CJCA provides clearer guidance on independence, fidelity, impartiality, propriety, equality, competence, diligence, and accountability for members of the Bench, adding that the updated code responds to “the realities of contemporary judging.”
It also explained that, beyond these general principles, the CJCA strengthens rules on conflict of interest, financial disclosure, and propriety inside and outside the courtroom, and expands accountability by linking ethical conduct to performance, compliance, and discipline.
The Court further noted that the code sets guidelines on the responsible use of technology and social media and promotes gender fairness, inclusivity, and sensitivity in judicial conduct and communication.
Code for Court Officials and Personnel
Meanwhile, the SC also approved the 2025 Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel, which updates the 2004 Code of Conduct for Court Personnel.
According to the Court, the updated code addresses contemporary ethical challenges faced by personnel across the judiciary.
Furthermore, the SC shared that the new personnel code introduces provisions on the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence; prohibits the acceptance of gifts, tips, or other gratuities for assisting or attending to litigants, lawyers, or court users; and requires the use of gender-fair, child-friendly, and culturally sensitive language in judicial communications.
Crafting the codes
According to the SC, both the CJCA and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel were drafted by Sub-Committees chaired by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, incorporating feedback from the 2024 National Ethics Caravan.
The Court said the consultations—held in Lipa, Davao, Bacolod, General Santos City, and Manila—involved justices, judges, court officials and personnel, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the academe, civil society and non-government organizations, and law students.
The SC added that this process ensured that the provisions of the CJCA reflect “the lived experience of those who administer justice through our courts.”
Moreover, the SC stated that both codes will take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation and their posting on the SC website.
The Court also announced that a Special En Banc Session will be held for a Nationwide Oath-Taking Ceremony, during which justices, judges, court officials, and personnel will take their Oath of Ethical Conduct under the CJCA and the personnel code.
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