
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has steadily transformed the legal landscape in the Philippines, streamlining court processes, improving access to justice, and reshaping how legal professionals approach research, document review, and case management. While a study in 2020 ranked Philippines the second slowest in internet speed among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members – this did not hinder the development of AI in the country. The Supreme Court of the Philippines has taken meaningful steps toward modernizing the judiciary through technology.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines has recognized the role that AI can play in enhancing judicial efficiency, especially to address the long-standing issue of court backlogs. Last November 2024, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, shared that the Court is set to draft an “AI Governance Framework for the Judiciary” in the judicial process. Recently, they introduced the Judiciary e-Courts System and automated case management systems, which have integrated early forms of AI, allow for faster tracking and scheduling of cases. These systems aim to reduce delays in proceedings by prioritizing and organizing cases more efficiently.
Additionally, in recent reforms, the Supreme Court has outlined its commitment to technology-driven improvements, including AI, under the “Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027” (SPJI). This strategic roadmap emphasizes technology’s role in achieving a faster and more accessible justice system, marking a significant shift toward integrating AI in daily legal processes.
AI-driven legal research tools are also increasingly used in law firms to assist Filipino lawyers in sifting through vast volumes of legal data, case law, and jurisprudence. AI tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, widely used globally, have been adapted to cater to Filipino legal needs, reducing the time and costs involved in legal research. These systems use natural language processing to analyze case details and provide relevant citations, enabling lawyers to deliver informed legal opinions more swiftly (Santos, 2021).
Similarly, AI document review tools help law firms manage and analyze large volumes of contracts, briefs, and legal documents by flagging inconsistencies, identifying relevant clauses, and ensuring compliance with local laws. This technology minimizes human error and enhances productivity, especially in high-stakes cases and complex contract management.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which provide alternatives to traditional court cases, have also benefited from AI integration. In recent years, Philippine institutions and tech startups have begun to explore how AI can facilitate quicker dispute resolutions, particularly for commercial and civil cases. AI tools can assist in streamlining negotiation processes and even offer predictive analyses on potential case outcomes. This supports lawyers and clients in making informed decisions before entering lengthy litigation (Department of Justice, 2022).
While AI presents considerable benefits, it also brings ethical and privacy concerns that the Philippine legal field must address. The country’s Data Privacy Act of 2012 requires careful handling of sensitive data, especially as AI becomes more involved in document review and case management. The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for a regulatory framework that ensures transparency and prevents algorithmic bias, which can inadvertently impact case outcomes and erode trust in the justice system (National Economic and Development Authority, 2020).
The Supreme Court has signaled a clear commitment to expanding AI’s role in the judiciary as part of its broader vision to digitalize and modernize the Philippine legal system. The SPJI 2022–2027 emphasizes that technology, including AI, is key to making justice accessible, fast, and efficient for Filipinos. With careful implementation and regulation, AI could continue to streamline court procedures, reduce case backlogs, and ultimately democratize legal services across the country (Supreme Court of the Philippines, 2022).
AI has already begun to reshape the legal landscape in the Philippines, with noticeable impacts on judicial efficiency, access to information, and dispute resolution. As the Supreme Court continues to implement AI in judicial reforms, the future of AI in the Philippine legal field holds the promise of a more accessible, effective, and modern justice system.
References
Supreme Court of the Philippines. (2021). Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027. Retrieved from Link
Supreme Court of the Philippines. (2022). E-Courts and AI in Philippine Judiciary. Retrieved from Link
Department of Justice. (2022). Advances in ADR and Technology. Retrieved from Link
National Economic and Development Authority. (2020). AI and Data Privacy in the Philippines. Retrieved from Link
Santos, J. (2021). Impact of AI in Legal Professions in Southeast Asia.