Gwyneth Perseveranda

The Supreme Court plans to draft a governance framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an attempt to modernize judicial systems and processes.


In a press conference held on November 6 in the Supreme Court Division Hearing Room, Senior Associate Justice Mario Victor F. Leonen declared that the AI governance framework will outline the standards for AI integration in judicial processes, including court administration, human resources, finance, security, as well as research, analysis, and case management.

Leonen stated that the establishment of the framework is in alignment with the five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI), a key step toward modernizing the court system's technology by 2027.

Amid the drafting of the AI framework, the Supreme Court has initiated judicial projects incorporating AI tools into its operations.

Sandiganbayan, along with select first- and second-level courts, has begun using transcription software, a tool that turns speech into text, to help court stenographers.

The AI transcription tools are expected to enhance accuracy and efficiency in court reporting, especially in cases that require extensive work.

While the integration of AI shows promise, the Supreme Court is taking cautious measures to ensure that AI is not abused when scaled up.

"We are mindful of the complexities involved in implementing AI in the judiciary," Leonen said.

"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.

The announcement of the use of AI in courts also included updates on the Supreme Court's digitized court operations through its eCourt System Version 2.0 (eCourt PH 2.0), which includes electronic filing (eFiling) and electronic service (eService) in civil cases at trial courts.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is collaborating with experts in AI, law, and ethics in the creation of the AI governance framework to ensure that it addresses all concerns from relevant sectors and parties.