Direct access to CJ created vs judicial corruption

MANILA, Philippines —  The Supreme Court (SC) has created an additional channel for the public for reporting corrupt judges, lawyers and court personnel through an email address that is directly accessible to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

According to the SC, information may be sent to [email protected] which would be accessible to the Ethics Committee headed by Gesmundo as chairperson and Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen as vice chairperson.

Violations that may be reported include extortion of money, gift or favor for process like warrants, summons, writs of execution; extortion to gain inside information on any case, and influence peddling.

“The creation of this latest channel is part of the Supreme Court’s efforts to cleanse the courts of all forms of corruption,” the SC said in Memorandum Order No. 72-2024.

The SC warned the public against premature posting on social media, saying this could undermine efforts to investigate and prosecute violators, considering that information reported to the high tribunal may be used as basis for entrapment operations.

Lawyers who participate, advise, or tolerate any form of corruption will likewise be dealt with severely, it added.

The public can also submit confidential complaints directly to the chief justice, the senior associate Justice, or any justice of the high court.

“Whistleblowers with credible information will be given the proper protection by the Court,” the SC said.

The SC’s move came after the recent suspension of a Pasay City judge and court officer on bribery issues.