THE Philippine Chief Justice underscored the need for technology-driven transformation to enhance efficiency and uphold ethical standards at the 20^th National Convention of Lawyers organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) last Jan. 30.

In his speech at the opening of the three-day event in Cebu City, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data analytics can potentially improve the efficiency and accessibility of legal services.

“We realize that the next frontier can only be reached if we fully embrace the benefits that today’s advancements bring while ensuring that proper safeguards are placed,” he said in his keynote address.

He warned that while technology can enhance legal practice, it remains only a tool. “[It] enhances our functions but cannot replace the critical thinking and moral responsibility intrinsic to our profession.”

He further noted the use of these tools must align with ethical standards and dictates of fairness and justice.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen also detailed the judiciary’s shift to digital case management via eCourt PH 2.0. He stressed that AI could enhance, but not replace, human judgment in legal decision-making.

“By digitizing the complete process from filing to adjudication and providing real-time updates on case status, our lawyers can work more efficiently, hopefully alleviating their clients’ suffering promptly,” Mr. Leonen said in his lecture.

“Transitioning to a digital system allows these delays to be minimized, making the judicial process more transparent and equitable.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

A PARTY-LIST group for persons with disabilities (PWDs) asked the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday to compel the House Speaker to conduct the oath of office of the group’s first nominee by filing a writ of preliminary injunction.

The Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasenyente, at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD) through its President Grace S. Yeneza and first nominee Maria Camille L. Ilagan, asked the top court to compel Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez to conduct the oath of office of Ms. Ilagan as the group’s first representative.

They also asked the high court to quickly issue an order requiring Mr. Romualdez to swear in Ms. Ilagan and to make that order permanent.

In its urgent petition for mandamus and a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction, the P3PWD party list said Ms. Ilagan’s inclusion as a House member is justified based on the high court’s November 2024 ruling, which instructed the party list to submit new nominees, excluding those whose previous substitutions were invalidated, such as former Comelec Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon.

The party list said it submitted a new list of nominees on Dec. 3, 2024, which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved on the same day.

On Dec. 9, 2024, Ms. Ilagan presented herself to the Office of the House Secretary-General and submitted her documents, including her Certificate of Proclamation dated Dec. 3, 2024, her Oath of Office, and a certification from the Comelec Secretary.

Despite this, no oath-taking occurred before Mr. Romualdez, the petition said.

“Despite the final and executory ruling of this Honorable Court in the Subject Decision affirming petitioner P3PWD’s electoral mandate and entitlement to a seat in the House of Representatives, neither the Office of the Secretary-General nor respondent Honorable Romualdez has taken any step to set petitioner Ilagan’s oath-taking as the duly elected Representative of petitioner P3PWD in the 19^th Congress,” it added.

Mr. Romualdez’s office did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment.

Congress has two regular sessions days before it adjourns on Feb. 7 ahead of the May 2025 midterm polls. It will resume sessions from June 2 to 13, leaving Congress with six session days before the 19^th Congress closes. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana