BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Supreme Court is developing an “AI Governance Framework for the Judiciary” to establish guidelines for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into judicial processes.
The framework will set standards for responsible AI use in various aspects of court administration, including human resources, finance, security, legal research, document analysis, courtroom applications, and case management.
In a recent press briefing, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), which focuses on modernizing the judiciary’s systems and workflows.
The Court sees AI as a valuable tool to improve judicial efficiency and accuracy, making the framework a crucial step in adapting to technological advancements within the justice system.
The Supreme Court has initiated pilot tests of AI technologies, including voice-to-text transcription software for court stenographers in the Sandiganbayan and select first- and second-level courts.
Likewise, AI-enhanced platforms for legal research are being trialed in several court offices to streamline legal procedures.
Justice Leonen emphasized that while pilot testing is underway, the Court has not fully implemented any AI systems.
It is currently focused on digitizing processes, mapping workflows, and evaluating AI applications for potential scalability. Although aware of advanced AI models like GPT, the Court has not yet adopted them.
The upcoming AI Governance Framework will outline ethical guidelines for AI use, emphasizing principles such as reliability, transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy, human oversight, security, societal benefit, sustainability, and ongoing monitoring.
This framework will ensure AI’s integration into the judiciary aligns with core ethical and operational standards.
Justice Leonen added the Judiciary’s crucial role in ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically within the justice system.
“We are prepared and continuously preparing for that eventuality,” he said, underlining the Court’s commitment to overseeing AI’s integration.
During the press briefing, Leonen also discussed the advancements in the Court’s eCourt System Version 2.0 (eCourt PH 2.0), designed to modernize the adjudication process.
The system includes features such as eFiling and eService for civil cases in trial courts, digital case management tools for trial and appellate courts, and digital appeals for civil cases.
These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and fairness of the justice system.
Justice Leonen was accompanied by Supreme Court Spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting, Chief Communications Officer Atty. Michael Jobert I. Navallo, and Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Information Officer Atty. Jed Sherwin G. Uy, all of whom are involved in driving the judiciary’s digital transformation./PN
