SC drafts framework for AI integration
THE Supreme Court (SC) on Monday said it will establish an artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework to integrate AI technologies into judicial operations as part of its efforts to modernize court processes and enhance judicial efficiency in an increasingly digital age.
Aligned with its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), the AI Governance Framework will establish standards for integrating AI technology in court administration functions like human resources, finance, and security, and in areas such as legal research, document analysis, courtroom operations, and case management.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen maintained the Judiciary plays a key role in interpreting laws to ensure responsible and ethical AI use.
“We are prepared and continuously preparing for that eventuality,” he said in a statement.
The high court already started pilot testing of AI software, including voice-to-text transcriptions for court stenographers in the Sandiganbayan and select first and second-level courts.
Mr. Leonen told reporters last week the high court has not yet fully implemented any AI systems as the judiciary is still digitalizing 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,” the SC said. “The Court has not yet fully implemented any AI systems.”
Mr. Leonen noted the developments in the Judiciary’s eCourt System Version 2.0, which aims to digitalize adjudication processes, including eFiling and eService in courts, digital case management tools for trial courts, appellate and SC management applications, and digital appeals for civil cases.
The top court added that the incoming framework will have ethical guidelines for AI use.
“[It will focus] 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.”
In August, Mr. Leonen noted that the way to immerse the legal profession in AI use is to “test its limits while revising as we go along to keep up.”
The Philippines ranked 67th out of 83 countries in Tortoise Media’s The Global AI Index 2024. The pilot index ranked countries based on their capacity for AI, using 122 indicators, under three pillars: implementation, innovation, and investment. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
