Draft Foreword for the Annotation of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel 2008.

FOREWORD Public servants were not always held to such high standards demanded of us today. For centuries, public office in the Philippines was but an extension of the colonies of the Spanish king who could dispose of anything through any means he desired, inevitably making it the convention for the acquisition of public offices by purchase, that is, awarding government positions to the highest bidder. As a consequence, most of those occupying public positions were either grossly incompetent or corrupt. A drastic change ushered in during the American regime where political institutions in accordance with the democratic and republican character of the American government were established in the Philippines. With the enactment of legislation introducing innovations in the appointment of public officers such as entry into the service by examination and promotion on the basis of ones competence, the precipice was set for a modern and efficient Philippine civil service. The imposition of fines for acts of bribery and corruption, among other acts of misconduct, similarly paved the way for the institution of ethical governance in the land. This high regard for integrity in government was carried over by our Filipino leaders when we gained independence. The evolution of public accountability can thus be traced in our Constitutions. Public office is a public trust. At present, not only does our Constitution make it a policy of the State to maintain honesty and integrity in public service, a handful of laws and a dearth of jurisprudence command all public officers and employees to serve with the highest degree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, and remain accountable to the people. As officers of the court and agents of the law, members of the Judiciary are in a unique position in its administration and dispensation of justice. We are thus not merely expected to function, but required to excel, for in the performance of our duty lie the good name and standing of the Judiciary as a true temple of justice. The integrity of the Court thus equally relies on the competence of its personnel and the confidence of the public. In 2004, the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel was promulgated by the Supreme Court to provide rules specific to court officers and employees. Seminars with the aim to elucidate these rules have since been ongoing in different judicial regions in the country. To complement these efforts, this Annotation further provides precision to broad concepts as well as universal understanding to varying interpretations of the Code. With the increased access of members of the Judiciary to this comprehensive Annotation, I am confident that the requisite brand of professionalism, degree of conscientiousness, and modicum of integrity will soon be imbibed by all court personnel in the administration of justice for the public we serve.