The Supreme Court (SC) is set to draft an “AI Governance Framework for the Judiciary” in recognition of the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes.
The initiative is aimed at outlining guidelines for the responsible integration of AI across various areas of court operations and management.
Addressing members of the media last Wednesday, Nov. 6, SC senior associate justice Marvic Leonen shared that the AI Governance Framework will provide standards for using AI in court administration, such as human resource, finance, and security, as well as in legal research, document analysis, courtroom applications, and case management.
Aligned with the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), the AI Governance Framework is a key step toward modernizing the judiciary’s systems and workflows. To this end, the court said it is actively exploring AI’s potential to enhance judicial efficiency and accuracy.
The SC has already commenced pilot testing of AI technologies, including voice-to-text transcription software for court stenographers in the Sandiganbayan and select first-and second-level courts. In addition, several offices within the court are trialing AI-enhanced platforms designed to streamline legal research.
Leonen emphasized, however, that the court has not yet fully implemented any AI systems. The judiciary, he said, remains in the process of digitalizing its procedures, mapping processes, and carefully evaluating which AI applications will be scalable for a broader rollout. While the court is aware of advanced AI tools such as GPT, it has yet to adopt these technologies, he added.
Leonen said the forthcoming AI Governance Framework will incorporate ethical guidelines for AI deployment, focusing on core principles such as reliability, transparency, accountability, fairness and non-discrimination, privacy and data protection, human agency and oversight, security and safety, societal benefit, sustainability (resources and ecology), and continuous monitoring.
Leonen acknowledged the judiciary’s vital role in interpreting laws to ensure responsible and ethical AI use. “We are prepared and continuously preparing for that eventuality,” he remarked.
Additionally, highlighted developments in the Court’s eCourt System Version 2.0 (eCourt PH 2.0), which aims to digitalize adjudication processes.
Key components of this system include eFiling and eService in civil cases in trial courts; digital case management tools for trial courts; appellate and Supreme Court management applications; and digital appeals for civil cases.
