By: Atty. Gregorio B. Austral, CPA
The Judiciary’s New Framework for Human-Centered AI
The Supreme Court has issued a Governance Framework on the Use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary. The Resolution acknowledges that artificial intelligence is now widely used in many sectors, including legal practice and court administration. It also recognizes that AI brings both opportunities and risks, and that the courts must adopt clear rules to ensure responsible use.
The Framework begins by affirming that the Judiciary remains committed to justice and the rule of law even as it adopts new technologies. It notes that AI can improve efficiency, accuracy, and access to justice, but only if used with proper oversight. Without safeguards, AI may amplify bias, spread misinformation, or undermine rights. Because of these risks, the Court emphasizes that AI must always support—not replace—human judgment.
The Framework applies to a wide range of actors: members of the Judiciary, court officials and employees, court users, and vendors or contractors who design or deploy AI tools for the courts. It defines key terms such as artificial intelligence, human-centered augmented intelligence, machine learning, and large language models. It also clarifies that “use” includes everything from design and development to deployment and reliance on AI outputs.
Eight ethical principles guide the Framework.
First, AI must be human-centered, meaning it should enhance human capabilities while avoiding harm. The Court warns that unmoderated AI use can affect cognition, critical thinking, and human relationships.
Second, all AI use must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Any limitation must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
Third, transparency is required. When AI assists in preparing court-issued documents, the user must disclose the tool used, its purpose, the extent of human oversight, and a statement of responsibility.
Fourth, accountability remains with the human user. AI cannot excuse violations of law or ethics.
The remaining principles address fairness, privacy, security, and environmental sustainability. The Court stresses the need to guard against algorithmic bias, protect sensitive data, secure systems against attacks, and consider the environmental impact of AI tools.
The Framework also sets out rules on human oversight. AI may assist in tasks such as transcription, translation, research, or document processing, but it cannot be the sole or primary basis for any adjudicatory outcome. Legal reasoning and conclusions must always be formed by a human decision-maker. All AI outputs must be reviewed and approved by a human user.
To implement these principles, the Court establishes a governance structure. The Supreme Court En Banc will supervise all AI-related policies. The Management Information Systems Office will advise on technical matters, while the Supreme Court Data Protection Officer will ensure compliance with privacy rules. The Office of the Court Administrator and the Philippine Judicial Academy will handle training and capacity-building. Legal education institutions and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines are encouraged to develop programs on AI and the law.
A permanent Committee on Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence will serve as an advisory body. It will guide the design, development, procurement, and evaluation of AI tools used in the Judiciary. It will also help ensure that tools meet ethical, technical, and legal standards.
Overall, the Framework provides a structured approach to integrating AI into judicial processes. It seeks to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that technology strengthens—rather than weakens—the rule of law. (Source: A.M. No. 25‑11‑28‑SC, Re: Governance Framework on the Use of Human‑Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary)