Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo reminded that a judiciary which harnesses technology wisely is one that listens, adapts, and remains sensitive to the evolving needs of the people it serves.

Thus, the Chief Justice said the judiciary must ensure that “justice in the digital age does not lose its soul, but rather, finds new strength in its purpose: to serve our people with greater integrity, transparency, accountability, and accessibility.”

Gesmundo was the keynote speaker during the recent national convention and seminar of the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. (PTJL) in San Fernando City in La union.

He reminded trial court judges that the technologies adopted by the judiciary in its modernization efforts must uphold the core values and principles of justice.

“While judicial innovations improve efficiency and accuracy, their use must remain anchored on the competence, integrity, probity, and independence of the judges, officials, and personnel,” he stressed.

He pointed out that technology should not erode the moral and ethical foundations upon which justice stands.

Judicial innovations must strengthen, not undermine, the integrity of judicial processes, he stressed.

The Chief Justice cited the Supreme Court’s (SC) five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) that was launched in 2022.

He said that the SPJI has been pursuing a transformative path toward a judiciary that is more efficient, innovative, and accessible, and delivers real-time justice.

Among the innovations are the revised codes of conduct for judges and court personnel, and developing an Artificial Intelligence Governance Policy Framework for the judiciary.

Gesmundo said the revised codes of conduct will address contemporary ethical challenges, including responsible use of social media and AI in judicial duties.

“As I have expressed in previous occasions, while artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency and accuracy in judicial work, it cannot and should not replace the uniquely human qualities essential to the administration of justice…,” the Chief Justice said.

He reminded that courts must use AI as a tool to assist, not replace, independent judgment. “Thus, justice must remain guided by humanity, fairness, and reason,” he said.

In his remarks during the convention, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen said that “AI is not the principal but merely a tool to assist innate human intelligence.”

Leonen said: "The more that you depend on your devices for your thinking, the more that our ability to think as Filipinos, as voters, as judges making judgments, will be eroded. And that also affects your ability to truly listen in face-to-face conversations.”

He stressed that while AI can improve productivity and reduce repetitive tasks, critical human oversight must not be sacrificed. “As we integrate AI into the Judiciary, we must be cautious not to undermine the principles of justice, fairness, and due process,” he said.

He also said that while AI will never replace human beings, it has the potential to either enhance our work or hinder our humanity.

The SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said that during the Governor’s Fellowship Night, the PTJL honored SC Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan with the Most Distinguished Elyukano Award for his service and dedication to justice and the legal profession in both private and public capacities.

In his acceptance message, Justice Gaerlan, a native of La Union, paid tribute to trial court judges all over the country who ensure that justice reaches even the most remote barangays, and “to the Filipino people, whose trust in our Judiciary we must never take for granted.”

SC Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Technology Officer lawyer Jed Sherwin G. Uy and SC Deputy Chief Justice Staff Head lawyer Antonio Ceasar R. Manila also delivered lectures at the convention.

Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, Deputy Court Administrator (DCA) for Operations Leo T. Madrazo, DCA for Administration Lilian C. Barribal-Co, and DCA for Regional Services Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa also attended the event.