SC approves JIB reorg to JIO for enhanced accountability

The Supreme Court (SC) approved on Tuesday the reorganization of the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) into the Judicial Integrity Office (JIO), aimed at enhancing accountability and streamlining administrative disciplinary cases.

Placed under direct supervision of the SC, the JIO will be headed by a single Judicial Integrity Officer appointed for a four-year term with eligibility for one reappointment.

The officer must have at least 15 years of legal practice and investigative experience, carrying a Salary Grade 30, Step 8 compensation.

During the transition period, the acting JIB chairperson will function as the Judicial Integrity Officer while current members serve as consultants.

The JIO's expanded powers include conducting fact-finding investigations, issuing subpoenas, recommending preventive suspensions, and receiving administrative complaints directly from the public, with less serious cases requiring mandatory grievance conferences.