The Supreme Court of the Philippines has formally adopted the Governance Framework on the use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary, marking a major step toward integrating technology into court operations while upholding ethical and human-centered principles.
The resolution, dated February 18, 2026 (A.M. No. 25-11-28-SC), establishes guidelines for the responsible use of AI tools in the judicial system, emphasizing fairness, accountability, and transparency.
The framework ensures that technology supports, rather than replaces, human judgment, reinforcing public confidence in judicial independence and impartiality.
Developed by a working group led by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen with Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando and Rodil V. Zalameda as vice chairs, the framework incorporated input from legal experts, the academe, and international best practices from ASEAN and UNESCO.
Key provisions include mandatory disclosure of AI tool use, phased implementation starting with pilot testing, strict adherence to privacy and data protection, risk assessment before deployment, and the creation of a permanent Committee on Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence to oversee ethical use. The framework applies to judges, court personnel, vendors, and anyone using AI tools in judicial processes.
AI applications covered include voice-to-text transcription, legal research, automated document processing, summarization, translation, and data redaction, all designed to enhance human cognitive skills while maintaining human oversight. The framework explicitly prohibits AI outputs from being the sole basis of adjudicatory decisions and mandates training to prevent algorithmic bias.
The initiative aligns with the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, aiming to build a transparent, accountable, and technology-driven judiciary that safeguards rights, upholds the rule of law, and promotes efficiency across all levels of court operations.
