The Supreme Court has approved the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability (CJCA), designed to guide members of the bench on principles of independence, integrity, and impartiality, among others.
Key features of the new code are improved rules on conflict of interest, financial disclosure, and standards of propriety both in and out of court, as well as expanded accountability measures, the Office of Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh said in a statement on Thursday.
The CJCA also provides guidelines on the responsible use of technology and social media, and promotion of gender fairness, inclusivity and sensitivity in judicial behavior and communications.
The new code’s approval comes after the subcommittee chaired by Singh conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders in Lipa, Davao, Bacolod, General Santos City, and Manila last year to ensure that the provisions ‘reflect the lived experience of those who administer justice through our courts.’
Singh’s office said the CJCA completes the three-pronged integrity initiative of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo that started with the launch of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for all the members of the Philippine Bar, and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel for all court officials and personnel.
‘The approval marks another key milestone under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, the SC’s blueprint for a responsive, technology-driven, and integrity-centered justice system,’ it added.
The Supreme Court will conduct a special en banc session on Nov. 18 for the nationwide oath-taking ceremony of all justices, judges, and court officials and personnel.
The CJCA will take effect 15 calendar days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation, and after its posting on the Supreme Court website.