Amid ongoing developments in social media and artificial intelligence, the Supreme Court (SC) has approved the 2025 Code of Conduct and Accountability for all court officials and personnel which addresses contemporary ethical challenges and strengthens the prohibition on so-called gratuities.
In an official statement, the Office of the SC spokesperson disclosed that the new code was drafted by the subcommittee chaired by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, who noted that feedback gathered in nationwide consultations with justices, judges, court officials, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and various civil society groups across major cities, we’re incorporated to keep the guidelines abreast with the times.
“It includes provisions on the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence and prohibition against accepting gifts, tips or other gratuities for assisting or attending to litigants, lawyers and other court users,” court lawyer Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting, the first female spokesperson of the High Tribunal, cited.
“The code also mandates court employees to use gender-fair, child-friendly, and culturally sensitive language across judicial communications,” Atty. Ting added.
Accordingly, the 2025 Code of Conduct and Accountability will take effect 15 calendar days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation and its posting on the Supreme Court website.
