Supreme Court Holds 42 Judges Accountable in 2024 to Reinforce Judicial Integrity

The Supreme Court (SC) has identified 42 judges from various judicial levels as administratively accountable in 2024, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to integrity and accountability. This was revealed by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh during the High-Level Meeting on Judicial Integrity for South and South-East Asia held in Makati City.

Justice Singh reported that in addition to the 42 judges sanctioned, the SC also administratively disciplined 166 lawyers and 109 court officials within the same year.

Highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in the judiciary, Justice Singh stated, "Societies cannot be just, peaceful, or democratic unless their courts are independent and their judges act with integrity. Judicial integrity is not a mere philosophical ideal. It is a living ethical commitment. It requires that judges render decisions purely on the law and the evidence, unclouded by personal biases, political pressure, or corrupt influence. It requires courage—both the quiet courage of disciplined restraint and the public courage to resist impropriety in all its forms."

The Supreme Court’s efforts align with ongoing regional initiatives spearheaded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. These collaborations aim to bolster judicial integrity throughout Asia, ensuring that legal systems remain fair and trustworthy.