The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court on November 13, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA — Individuals who cannot afford legal fees may benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) through templates as the Supreme Court (SC) continues its shift to digital processes. 

• Chief Justice Gesmundo: AI should not compromise delivery of justice

In his address before various stakeholders during the 2nd anniversary of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo enumerated various AI-assisted programs to facilitate court processes such as AI-assisted generation of pleadings for pro se litigants.

Also in the future is AI-assisted generation of pleadings for pro se litigants. 

“Once again, the court aims to leverage the power of AI to assist individuals who are representing themselves in court (pro se litigants) in preparing pleading and other legal documents through the generation of pertinent legal templates for their ready use,” Gesmundo said.

• Supreme Court to use AI technology in courts

Gesmundo also noted digital developments in the integration of blockchain technologies for evidence management, roll of attorneys signing and electronic notarization. 

“This integration will not only streamline court processes but also improve public trust in legal documents and transactions by making them more insusceptible to fraud, error and unauthorized alterations,” Gesmundo said.

Gesmundo also noted the integration of AI technology through voice to text transcription and legal research to address the shortage in court stenographers. 

There will also be reduced physical paper work through digital signing of court-issued papers which involves implementing secure digital signatures. 

“Digital signing will likewise enhance security by ensuring that each document is encrypted and verified through digital certificates, preventing unauthorized alterations or forgery,” Gesmundo said.

RELATED VIDEO