Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes, the Supreme Court is drafting an "AI Governance Framework for the Judiciary." This initiative aims to establish guidelines for the ethical and effective integration of AI in various aspects of court administration and case management.

During a press briefing on November 6, 2024, at the Supreme Court’s Division Hearing Room, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen outlined the framework’s purpose. He explained that it will set standards for AI’s application in court operations, including human resources, finance, and security, as well as in legal research, document analysis, courtroom proceedings, and case handling.

This framework is a component of the Supreme Court's Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) and reflects the judiciary's commitment to modernizing its systems and workflows. In line with this, the Supreme Court is exploring AI’s potential to improve judicial efficiency and accuracy.

The Court has already begun pilot testing AI tools, such as voice-to-text transcription software for stenographers in the Sandiganbayan and select lower courts, and AI-assisted platforms to streamline legal research in various departments.

Justice Leonen emphasized that no AI systems have been fully adopted yet. The judiciary is still in the process of digitalizing its procedures, mapping processes, and carefully assessing which AI applications will be suitable for wider implementation. While the Court is aware of advanced AI tools like GPT, it has not yet adopted them.

The AI Governance Framework will include ethical standards for AI use, prioritizing principles such as transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy, human oversight, security, societal benefit, and environmental sustainability. Continuous monitoring will also be integral to ensure these standards are met.

Justice Leonen highlighted the judiciary's role in ensuring responsible and ethical AI use, saying, “We are prepared and continuously preparing for that eventuality.”

He also noted progress on the Court’s eCourt System Version 2.0 (eCourt PH 2.0), which seeks to digitalize adjudication processes. Key components of this system include eFiling and eService for civil cases in trial courts, digital case management tools, applications for appellate and Supreme Court management, and digital appeals for civil cases.

These initiatives underscore the Supreme Court's commitment to leveraging technology for a more modern, fair, and efficient justice system.