Code of Judicial Conduct / Ethics
SECTION 1. How instituted. -
(1) Motu proprio against those who are not members of the Supreme Court. - Proceedings for the discipline of the Presiding Justices and Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, the Shari'ah High Court, and Judges of the First and Second Level Courts, including the Shari'ah District and Circuit Courts, may be instituted by the Judicial Integrity Office (JIO) on its own initiative, or upon the directive of the Supreme Court, or by referral from the appropriate offices of the tertiary level courts, or any administrative body, such as but not limited to the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Audit, the Office of the Ombudsman, or the Department of Justice. Any report or other document that forms the basis of the action shall be made part of the records.
(2) By complaint against those who are not members of the Supreme Court. - Disciplinary proceedings against those mentioned in Section 1(1) of this Canon may also be filed with the JIO by any interested person, either through:
(a) a verified complaint, supported by affidavits of persons who have personal knowledge of the facts alleged therein or by authentic documents which may substantiate the allegations; or
(b) an anonymous complaint, provided, that its material averments may be readily verified, or substantiated by competent evidence, including public records.
In every case, the written verified or anonymous complaint shall state, clearly and concisely, the acts or omissions constituting the administrative offense under this Canon.
If the verified or anonymous complaint is filed directly with the Supreme Court or with any court or office under the Judiciary, the same shall be immediately referred to the JIO as if it was originally filed before the latter, reckoned from the date the JIO receives the complaint.
(3) By complaint against members of the Supreme Court. - Complaints involving graft and corruption and violations of ethical standards, including anonymous complaints, against Members of the Supreme Court shall be filed directly with the Supreme Court and shall be referred to its Committee on Ethics and Ethical Standards. The Committee, after evaluation of the complaint and any evidence in support thereof, shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Supreme Court En Banc.
If the complaint is filed directly with the JIO, it shall be referred to the Supreme Court as if it was originally filed before the Court, reckoned from the date of the latter's receipt of the complaint.