IN a landmark move aimed at modernizing the Philippine judicial system, the Supreme Court has announced plans to draft a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework for the judiciary.
The Court said the initiative is in response to the increasing integration of AI technologies into various sectors, including the legal field.
It said the AI governance framework will provide clear and ethical guidelines for the responsible use of AI in court administration and operations. This includes applications in human resources, finance, security, legal research, document analysis, case management, and courtroom procedures.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said the framework would ensure that AI is integrated thoughtfully and ethically into these critical areas, promoting transparency, fairness and accountability in the judicial process.
“The Supreme Court is committed to responsibly integrating AI into our operations,” Leonen said. “This initiative is not just about improving efficiency, but ensuring that any AI systems we deploy are in line with our commitment to justice, equity and ethical governance.”
The framework is aligned with the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), a roadmap for modernizing the judiciary’s technology infrastructure and workflows.
While the draft framework is still in development, the Supreme Court has already initiated pilot projects that incorporate AI tools into its operations. Notably, the Sandiganbayan, as well as select first- and second-level courts, have begun using voice-to-text transcription software to assist court stenographers.
The AI-powered transcription tools are expected to improve accuracy and efficiency in court reporting, particularly in high-volume cases.
In addition, the court has started trying out AI-enhanced legal research platforms designed to expedite the process of case law analysis and help legal professionals identify relevant precedents more effectively.
Leonen said that while AI technology shows promise, the judiciary is taking a cautious approach to its broader implementation. The Court is still in the process of digitizing its procedures, mapping workflows, and determining which AI applications are scalable for a national rollout.
“We are mindful of the complexities involved in implementing AI in the judiciary,” Leonen noted. “As of now, no AI system has been fully integrated into our operations. We are carefully assessing each application to ensure that it aligns with our standards of justice.”
“We recognize that AI can have a profound impact on the justice system, which is why it is essential that we uphold ethical standards in its deployment,” he added. “We are working to establish a system that is accountable, transparent, and, above all, just.”
The announcement also included updates on the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to digitize court operations through its eCourt System Version 2.0 (eCourt PH 2.0). The system includes tools for electronic filing (eFiling) and electronic service (eService) in civil cases at trial courts.
It also offers digital case management features for trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, as well as the capability for digital appeals in civil cases.
The developments aim to reduce the administrative burden on court staff, expedite case processing, and make legal proceedings more accessible to the public.
The Supreme Court is continuing to collaborate with experts in AI, law, and ethics in refining the AI governance framework. It is also gathering inputs from stakeholders across the legal and tech sectors to ensure the framework addresses concerns from all relevant parties.
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