Ateneo Law hosts Ethics Consultative Caravan with Supreme Court sub-committees

The Supreme Court's Sub-Committee for the Review of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel and Sub-Committee for the Review of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary, both chaired by Honorable Maria Filomena D Singh, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, conducted an Ethics Consultative Caravan on 6 November 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. The event aimed to discuss the proposed new codes, marking a significant step in modernizing ethical guidelines for court personnel and judicial officers.

Proposed New Code of Conduct for Court Personnel

In her welcome remarks, Atty Ma Ngina Teresa V.Chan-Gonzaga, Associate Dean of the Ateneo Law School, introduced the Rockwell campus, home to Ateneo Law for 25 years, and highlighted the school’s commitment to advancing Philippine legal education since 1936. She highlighted the efforts of the Supreme Court in engaging stakeholders in revising the codes underscoring the Ateneo law community's investment in judiciary reform and ethical standards.

Justice Singh delivered the opening address, underscoring the need for updated guidelines that address contemporary issues such as social media, AI, and personnel protections. She mentioned the initiatives for healthcare, mental health support, and career advancement, all aimed at enhancing employee welfare and motivation. This consultative process, she noted, reflects the Supreme Court’s commitment to a judiciary rooted in integrity, honesty, and public service.

The session included presentations on the proposed new Code of Conduct, organized by Canon:

• Canon I – Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva
• Canon II – Presiding Judge Anjanette Nicolas De Leon-Ortile
• Canon III – Presiding Judge Anne Beatrice G Aguana-Balmaceda
• Canon IV – Court of Appeals Associate Justice Ma Consejo Mapa Gengos-Ignalaga
• Canon V – Atty Antonio Ceasar R Manila

Each speaker addressed key ethical principles, emphasizing clarity, transparency, and accountability for court personnel. A plenary session followed, allowing participants to engage in collaborative discussions to refine the proposed code.

Court Administrator Raul B Villanueva, Vice Chairperson of the Sub-Committee, delivered the closing remarks, acknowledging the participants' contributions and underscoring the importance of this consultation in creating a comprehensive, modern Code of Conduct.

Proposed New Code of Judicial Conduct

In the afternoon session, Hon Marvic Mario Victor F Leonen, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, delivered the keynote address. He cited Chief Justice Alexander G Gesmundo’s leadership and the judiciary's commitment to reforms that prioritize integrity and public service in a society grappling with inequality. Senior Associate Justice Leonen called upon the judiciary to renew its dedication to these ideals.

The proposed new Code of Judicial Conduct was presented by Canon:

• Canon I – Presiding Judge Romeo Dizon Tagra
• Canon II – Court of Appeals Executive Justice Pamela Ann A Maxino
• Canon III – Presiding Judge Carlo D Villarama
• Canon IV – Presiding Judge Caridad M Walse-Lutero
• Canon V – Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Bayani H Jacinto
• Canon VI – Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Jean Marie A Bacorro-Villena
• Canon VII – Presiding Judge Juvenal N Bella

After the presentation, a plenary session facilitated open dialogue, enabling attendees to provide input on the proposed revisions.

Hon. Geraldine C Fiel-Macaraig, Vice Chairperson of the Sub-Committee for the Review of the New Code of Judicial Conduct, delivered the closing remarks.

Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa and Amy C Lazaro-Javier were also present for the afternoon session.

The event was hosted by Ms Tiffany Ines C Atendido-Beltran.