The Supreme Court (SC) celebrated three years of its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) by highlighting the judiciary’s most ambitious wave of technological modernization yet — from AI-driven research tools and blockchain-secured document systems to nationwide e-payment integration and the rollout of digital court platforms.
Launched under chief justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, the SPJI serves as the judiciary’s digital transformation roadmap built around the pillars of efficiency, innovation, and access.
The third-year milestone celebration, held at the Manila Hotel, showcased tangible progress in the court’s pursuit of a more responsive, data-driven, and tech-empowered justice system.
AI, Blockchain, and Digital court Systems
Gesmundo revealed that the Judiciary ePayment Solutions are now operational in 1,064 courts, having processed over ₱2.2 billion in transactions — a key step in digitizing court fees and minimizing manual processing.
The court is also developing AI-powered research tools and a Case Records Management System (CRMS) integrated with eCourt PH, along with a blockchain-secured platform for court documents to ensure integrity, transparency, and data security.
“Technology is a powerful ally, but we must never compromise confidentiality and data privacy,” Gesmundo said, emphasizing that technology must enhance — not replace — human judgment in the delivery of justice.
Other major digital initiatives include data analytics training for court personnel, ICT infrastructure upgrades, and inter-agency coordination through the National Justice Information System (NJIS).
eCourt PH and High-Performance Courts Go Digital
By October 30, 2025, the Philippine Judiciary Platform (PJP) — built using OutSystems, a low-code development platform — will fully enable digital filing and service of cases before the SC. Over 12,000 lawyers have already registered.
The platform is being pilot-tested in trial courts, offering individual dashboards, docket monitoring tools, and video conferencing features — a leap toward real-time case tracking and hybrid hearings.
Associate justice Antonio T. Kho, Jr. also detailed the High Performance Courts (HPC) initiative, which sets up a performance framework and an HPC Playbook to guide all courts in adopting evidence-based best practices.
To expand access to justice, the SC has rolled out the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) Rules, requiring lawyers to render at least 60 hours of pro bono service every three years.
Meanwhile, the Rules on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Interpreting in the judiciary — set for launch in early 2026 — aim to ensure full participation of d/Deaf individuals in court proceedings, marking a first in Philippine judicial history.
The SC PH Podcast, launched in 2023, has evolved into a multimedia platform simplifying legal discourse and explaining major rulings to the public, reflecting the judiciary’s growing digital outreach.
AI Ethics, Mental Health Tech, and Shari’ah Modernization
During the open forum, senior associate justice Marvic Leonen addressed questions about AI adoption, underscoring the SC’s framework of “human-centered augmented intelligence.”
“AI must remain sustainable, reliable, and always under human oversight,” he said.
In parallel, the judiciary’s Mental Health Program is expanding through mobile technology. The Judicial Burnout Scale app, initially for judges, is now being adapted for court personnel to identify early signs of burnout and support well-being.
The event also featured the turnover of the Final Report on the Institutional Review and Assessment of the Shari’ah Justice System, developed with support from the European Union, GoJust, SUBATRA, and the Spanish Cooperation, to strengthen Shari’ah courts and improve access to justice in Muslim Mindanao.
From Digital Pilots to Full Integration
The SPJI’s next phase focuses on consolidating pilot programs into nationwide systems, including the modernization of the Office of the Court Administrator, deployment of Regional court Managers (ORCMs) across all judicial regions, and rehabilitation of Halls of Justice in areas affected by natural disasters.
Chief Justice Gesmundo concluded with a call for sustained collaboration: “So much has been accomplished, yet so much remains to be done. Together, we will build a Judiciary that is not only efficient and transparent but also fully prepared for the digital age.”
