PART I — Preamble and Scope
> PREAMBLE
The turn of the 21st century has seen the fascinating emergence of the so-called “integrity movement” in the judiciary—not only in the Philippines but internationally. The benchmark of good judges is no longer simply adjudicative competence but also ethical excellence. The judiciary must not only be independent and impartial but must perceive itself and be perceived by the public to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The rule of law demands nothing less.
This Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability (“Code”) is promulgated by the Supreme Court En Banc under A.M. No. 25-04-04-SC and shall apply to all incumbent Justices and Judges of the Philippine Judiciary, except as otherwise provided herein. The Code is intended to supplement existing constitutional, statutory and other judicial rules governing conduct, and to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, transparency, professionalism and public confidence in the judiciary.
The Canons and Rules that follow represent minimum standards of conduct. Judges are encouraged and expected to adopt higher standards consistent with evolving jurisprudence and international best practices.
SCOPE AND EFFECTIVITY
1. This Code shall take effect on the [15th] calendar day after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation, and its posting on the SC website.
2. The Code is applicable to all Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Court of Appeals, Judges of the Sandiganbayan, Judges of Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, Shari’a Appellate Courts and Shari’a District/Metropolitan/Provincial/Municipal Courts.
3. Where specific statutes, rules or other orders of the Court prescribe higher or additional standards of conduct, such standards shall govern. In the event of conflict between this Code and other rules, the higher standard shall prevail.
4. This Code shall be enforced through existing judicial disciplinary processes, subject to any additional mechanisms the Court may adopt for monitoring compliance, reporting of breaches, remedial action and sanctions.
PART II — Canons and Rules
> CANON 1: INDEPENDENCE
A Judge shall uphold and exemplify judicial independence in both adjudicative and administrative functions, and shall resist influences, pressures, threats or interferences, direct or indirect, that tend to undermine such independence.
Rule 1.1. A Judge shall not allow family, social, political or other relationships or interests to influence judicial conduct or judgment.
Rule 1.2. A Judge shall neither initiate nor participate in inappropriate communications about a pending or impending matter with the parties, counsel or any other person, except as permitted by law.
Rule 1.3. A Judge shall respect and comply with the law and shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity, impartiality and independence of the judiciary.
CANON 2: INTEGRITY
A Judge shall act at all times with dignity, integrity and propriety, and shall avoid behaviour that undermines the dignity of judicial office or the public’s confidence therein.
Rule 2.1. A Judge shall conduct the performance of judicial duties in such a manner as to preserve the dignity of judicial office.
Rule 2.2. A Judge shall avoid financial, business, or other interests or relationships that conflict with obligations of judicial office. A Judge shall make timely disclosure of any actual or potential conflict of interest.
Rule 2.3. A Judge shall not accept gifts, hospitality, favours, or other benefits that may cast doubt on the Judge’s independence, integrity or impartiality.
CANON 3: IMPARTIALITY AND FAIRNESS
A Judge shall perform judicial duties impartially, ensuring both the reality and the appearance of fairness.
Rule 3.1. A Judge shall accord to every person who is legally interested in a proceeding an opportunity to be heard, and shall act without bias or prejudice.
Rule 3.2. A Judge shall avoid both actual and perceived conflicts of interest and shall disqualify or recuse himself or herself when required by law or whenever the Judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned.
Rule 3.3. A Judge shall ensure that the record clearly shows the basis for any ruling, order or judgment so that the appearance of arbitrariness is avoided.
CANON 4: DILIGENCE AND COMPETENCE
A Judge shall perform the duties of judicial office competently, diligently and with reasonable promptness.
Rule 4.1. A Judge shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that court proceedings are expedited and disposed of in a timely manner consistent with the rights of litigants and the demands of justice.
Rule 4.2. A Judge shall maintain professional competence in the law and shall keep abreast of developments in statutes, rules, jurisprudence and procedural practice.
Rule 4.3. A Judge shall not delegate his or her judicial responsibilities except when authorized by law or rule and must supervise any delegated functions.
CANON 5: PROPRIETY, BEHAVIOUR AND APPEARANCE
A Judge shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the judiciary, both in and out of court.
Rule 5.1. A Judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all of his or her activities.
Rule 5.2. A Judge shall conduct himself or herself in public life with due regard for the special position of judicial office, recognising that public attention is focused upon the Judge’s conduct.
Rule 5.3. A Judge shall refrain from political activity inappropriate to judicial office and shall observe applicable restrictions on public statements, endorsements, or partisan activity.
CANON 6: ACCOUNTABILITY
A Judge shall remain accountable for the integrity of the judiciary, the performance of the judicial function and the public trust placed in the judicial office.
Rule 6.1. A Judge shall participate in and support efforts for the improvement of the administration of justice.
Rule 6.2. A Judge shall comply with applicable reporting, disclosure and monitoring requirements, including but not limited to:
- (a) fiduciary and financial interests;
- (b) gifts and hospitality;
- (c) non-judicial activities;
- (d) continuing education and competence.
Rule 6.3. A Judge shall cooperate with proceedings relating to judicial discipline, audit or oversight and shall not hinder or seek to evade legitimate accountability mechanisms.
CANON 7: SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
A Judge shall serve the public, the legal profession and the judiciary without favour or prejudice and shall exercise leadership in the improvement of the administration of justice.
Rule 7.1. A Judge may engage in extrajudicial activities for educational, religious, charitable or civic purposes, provided that such activities do not detract from the dignity of judicial office, interfere with proper performance of judicial duties or appear to exploit the judge’s position.
Rule 7.2. A Judge shall refrain from participation in activities that could reasonably be perceived to exploit the prestige of the judicial office for personal benefit.
Rule 7.3. A Judge shall mentor and assist in training of judges, court personnel and the bar, and promote public understanding of the judicial system.
PART III — Special Institutional and Transitional Provisions
> SECTION 8 — Use of Technology, Social Media and Public Communications
8.1 A Judge shall ensure that his or her use of electronic communications, social media, blogging or other online presence is consistent with the dignity of judicial office, does not cast doubt on judicial independence or impartiality, and does not give rise to unwarranted public comment on pending or impending cases.
8.2 A Judge shall observe security, confidentiality and proper record-keeping when using court-managed or personal electronic devices, and avoid inadvertent disclosures of privileged or sealed information.
8.3 A Judge involved in public presentations or media interviews shall make clear that the opinions expressed are personal and do not reflect the institution of the judiciary, unless otherwise authorised.
SECTION 9 — Financial Disclosure and Gifts
9.1 A Judge shall submit periodic and truthful disclosure of financial interests, liabilities and other assets as required by the Court’s rules. The disclosures shall become part of the official registry of the judiciary.
9.2 A Judge shall refuse or return any gift that creates a sense of obligation, appearance of impropriety or that is given because of the judicial office. Exception may be made for nominal gifts of ordinary social hospitality of de minimis value, so long as public confidence is not undermined.
9.3 A Judge shall not serve in adjudication, administration or supervision in any matter in which the Judge or a family member holds a significant financial interest, and shall remove himself or herself if disqualification is required.
SECTION 10 — Post-Judicial Service Restrictions
10.1 After leaving judicial office, a former Judge shall not appear, practice or consult in any case in any court over which he or she presided or for which he or she took significant part in the decision-making, for a period prescribed by the Court (not less than 2 years) or as specified in other rules.
10.2 A former Judge shall not hold partisan political office or engage in partisan political campaigns for a period of at least one (1) year after separation from the bench, unless specifically authorized by the Court.
SECTION 11 — Implementation and Enforcement Mechanisms
11.1 The Court shall establish or designate a Judicial Integrity Office or other mechanism to monitor, receive and investigate complaints regarding breaches of this Code, and to recommend disciplinary, remedial or educational action.
11.2 Violations of this Code may subject a Judge to disciplinary proceedings, reprimand, suspension, removal, or any other penalty provided by law.
11.3 Each Judge shall certify annually in writing that he or she has read, understood and will comply with this Code. Non-compliance shall be reported in the judiciary’s official annual report.
PART IV — Entry into Effect; Supersession
> EFFECTIVITY
This Code shall be deemed effective on the date specified in the “Scope and Effectivity” clause above. All prior codes of judicial conduct promulgated by the Court (including A.M. No. 03-05-01-SC, the “New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary” of 2004) are hereby superseded to the extent inconsistent with this Code. Transitional arrangements, if any, shall be prescribed by the Court.
APPROVED
Promulgated by the Supreme Court En Banc on November 13, 2025 pursuant to A.M. No. 25-04-04-SC.
BY ORDER OF THE COURT
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo
Acting En Banc Clerk
____ Day of _____ 2025.
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Assisted by ChatGPT, November 14, 2025.
