Photo credit: SC PH

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has formally approved a Governance Framework on the Use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary, marking a major step toward modernizing court operations while ensuring human judgment remains central to decision-making.

Issued in A.M. No. 25-11-28-SC on February 18, 2026, the framework sets ethical and operational guidelines for using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in courts, emphasizing fairness, accountability, and transparency. According to the Court, these principles aim to “reinforce the public’s faith and confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judicial system.”

Human-first AI in the judiciary

A core feature of the framework is its use of the term “human-centered augmented intelligence,” which underscores that technology should assist, not replace, human reasoning and judgment. AI tools are intended to strengthen human cognitive skills in areas such as legal research, transcription, translation, document summarization, and automated processing, while upholding human control, supervision, and responsibility.

The framework stresses that no AI tool or output may serve as the sole basis for adjudicatory decisions, and human decision-makers remain fully accountable for final judgments that determine the rights and duties of parties.

Mandatory disclosure and safeguards

The framework applies to all justices, judges, court personnel, users of court services, and third-party developers or vendors involved with AI tools. Key requirements include:

• SC En Banc authorization before any AI tool is used.
• Phased implementation, beginning with pilot testing before broader rollout.
• Mandatory disclosure of the AI tool, its version, purpose, level of human oversight, and accountability for outputs.
• Training programs to prevent algorithmic or automation bias.
• Comprehensive risk assessments prior to deployment to protect against cybersecurity threats, including data manipulation.
• Strict data privacy standards, ensuring confidential or sensitive information is processed only with explicit authorization.

The framework also encourages environmentally responsible AI use, promoting tools that reduce ecological impact and use resources efficiently.

Oversight and global alignment

To ensure consistent implementation, the Court will establish a permanent Committee on Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence, drawing members from the judiciary, legal community, technical fields, and ethics experts. The committee will advise on AI design, ethical use, and governance.

The framework was 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 chairpersons. It incorporates global best practices, including ASEAN judicial AI guidelines and UNESCO standards for courts and tribunals.

Modernizing the judiciary responsibly

The Supreme Court said the framework aligns with its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027, which seeks to make courts more transparent, accountable, and accessible. By integrating AI responsibly, the judiciary aims to streamline operations while maintaining fairness, protecting rights, and safeguarding public trust.

“This framework ensures that while technology may enhance efficiency, human judgment and the rule of law remain paramount in the Philippine judiciary,” the Court said.