Philippine Supreme Court Adopts AI Governance Framework for Judiciary
The policy, formally titled the Governance Framework on the Use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary, was adopted through a resolution dated February 18, 2026. It applies to all levels of the judiciary-from Supreme Court justices to lower court personnel-
as well as external developers and vendors involved in AI tools used by the courts.
Human-Centered Approach to AI
A key feature of the framework is its emphasis on “human-centered augmented intelligence,” positioning AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. The Court stressed that AI must uphold fundamental values such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
The framework was developed with input from legal experts, AI specialists, and members of the academe, and aligns with international standards from organizations such as UNESCO.
Strict Rules on AI Use
Under the new guidelines, the judiciary established several strict rules governing AI use:
- No unauthorized AI tools: All AI systems must receive approval from the Supreme Court before deployment.
- Mandatory disclosure: Users must declare when AI is used in preparing legal documents, including the tool and level of human oversight.
- No AI-only decisions: AI cannot be the sole basis for court rulings; judges retain full responsibility for decisions.
- Data protection requirements: Sensitive and confidential information cannot be input into AI systems without proper authorization.
- Non-discrimination: AI must not introduce or reinforce bias in legal processes.
Applications in the Judiciary
The framework allows AI to be used in tasks such as legal research, document summarization, translation, transcription, and editing. However, these functions are limited to assisting court processes rather than replacing judicial reasoning.
Oversight and Future Implementation
To ensure proper implementation, the Court will establish a dedicated committee to oversee AI development and usage in the judiciary. This body will guide ethical standards, evaluate tools, and monitor compliance.
The initiative is part of the judiciary’s broader modernization efforts under its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven court system.
A Step Toward Responsible AI Use
With this move, the Philippines joins a growing number of countries working to regulate AI in critical institutions. The framework highlights the importance of balancing technological advancement with accountability, ensuring that justice remains firmly in human hands.
