SC approves Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability for all judiciary members
The Supreme Court (SC) has approved the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability (CJCA) that provides clearer guidance on the principles of independence, integrity, impartiality, propriety, equality, competence, diligence, and accountability for all members of the judiciary.
The CJCA will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.
The SC said the salient features of the CJCA are: strengthened rules on conflict of interest, financial disclosure, and standards of propriety both in and out of court; expanded accountability measures that link ethical conduct to performance, compliance, and discipline; guidelines on the responsible use of technology and social media; and promotion of gender fairness, inclusivity, and sensitivity in judicial behavior and communications.
It also said the CJCA completed the three-pronged integrity initiative of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.
The integrity initiative started with the adoption of the Code of Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) for all lawyers and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Personnel (CCACOP).
On Nov. 18, the SC, as a full court, will hold a Nationwide Oath-Taking Ceremony for all justices and judges, as well as court officials and personnel, on their Oath of Ethical Conduct under the CJCA and the CCACOP.
The SC said CJCA is another key milestone under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI), the High Court’s blueprint for a responsive, technology-driven, and integrity-centered justice system.
The SC’s sub-committee, chaired by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders during the 2024 National Ethics Caravan in cities of Lipa, Davao, Bacolod, General Santos, and Manila, to ensure that the CJCA’s provisions reflect the lived experience of those who administer justice through our courts.
The full text of the CJCA will be uploaded on the SC website – sc.judiciary.gov.ph.