SECTION 22. Penalties - Code of Judicial Conduct / Ethics

SECTION 22. Penalties. -

(1) If the respondent is found guilty of a serious offense, any of the following penalties shall be imposed:

Item	Description	Amount
(a)	Dismissal from the service, forfeiture of all or part of the benefits as the Supreme Court may determine, and disqualification from reinstatement or appointment to any public office, including in government-owned or -controlled corporations. Provided, however, that the forfeiture of benefits shall in no case include accrued leave credits;
(b)	Suspension from office without salary and other benefits for one year and one day up to three years; and/or
(c)	A fine of PHP 101,000.00 but not more than PHP 500,000.00.

(2) If the respondent is found guilty of a Less Serious Offense, any of the following penalties shall be imposed:

Item	Description	Amount
(a)	Suspension from office without salary and other benefits for six months and one day up to one year; and/or
(b)	A fine of PHP 51,000.00 but not more than PHP 100,000.00.

(3) If the respondent is found guilty of a Light Offense, any of the following penalties shall be imposed:

Item	Description	Amount
(a)	A fine of PHP 20,000.00 but not more than PHP 50,000.00;
(b)	Suspension from office without salary and other benefits for one (1) month up to six (6) months.
(c)	Censure; or
(d)	Reprimand.

In all instances, when the offense involves money or property owed, which is intrinsically linked to the duties of the respondent, the respondent shall be ordered to return the same.

In case the respondent is found not liable for violating any rule of conduct and no penalty is imposed, the Supreme Court may still issue an admonition or warning. An admonition or warning, however, shall not be considered a penalty under this Code.