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The Philippines is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its legal sector as the Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) and the broader legal community adopt cutting-edge technology to modernise the justice system. At the heart of these efforts is the DOJ-NPS’s recent implementation of innovative legal reforms designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility through digital tools.
Regional Prosecutor Merlynn Barola-Uy announced Department Circular No. 015 at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum in Cagayan de Oro City. The circular updates rules for preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings, introducing electronic filing and video conferencing to transform legal processes.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines approved new guidelines for electronic filing (eFiling) of pleadings and court submissions, which will be implemented starting September 1, 2024, with full enforcement by December 1, 2024. From September, trial courts will only act on civil case pleadings if accompanied by an electronic PDF submission via email, to be completed within 24 hours of the primary service method.
The requirement may be waived for documents that cannot be easily converted to PDF or are confidential. By December, eFiling and electronic service of court documents will become mandatory in certified judicial regions, with exceptions for summons and initiatory pleadings. The Supreme Court will provide real-time technical support through dedicated channels.
These changes benefit remote police units and private complainants by allowing participation in legal proceedings without physical presence. Uy emphasised that the reforms use technology to enhance access to justice and improve the legal system’s efficiency and responsiveness.
These technological advancements within the DOJ-NPS are part of a broader initiative to modernise the Philippine legal system. The country is also witnessing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various legal practices, a move that is expected to further revolutionise the field.
The “AI and the Law” forum at the University of the Philippines highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the legal industry. Organised by the Philippine Bar Association and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Journal, the event gathered over 100 legal professionals to explore how AI is reshaping traditional legal practices and creating new opportunities.
Experts discussed the rise of AI in legal research, contract analysis, and case prediction. AI tools globally enhance legal processes’ accuracy and efficiency, and the Philippines aims to stay current. Continuous education and skill development for legal professionals are crucial to adapting to AI’s growing role.
This push towards AI integration is supported by the Philippine government’s AI roadmap, which includes key legislative measures such as the Philippine Innovation Act and the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. These laws are designed to promote innovation, enhance digital literacy, and prepare the workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Philippine Innovation Act, for instance, establishes the National Innovation Council to spearhead the country’s innovation efforts, while the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act aims to develop the digital skills of the Filipino workforce, fostering digital entrepreneurship and inclusion.
The Philippine Supreme Court is driving digital transformation through its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo recognises that AI integration will enhance court productivity by aiding tasks like transcription and legal research.
The SPJI also envisions rebuilding the Judiciary E-Library with AI-enabled technology to enhance access to legal references, making the search for legal precedents quicker and more efficient.
As the Philippines continues to embrace these technological advancements, the legal sector is poised for a future where justice is more accessible, efficient, and in tune with the digital age. The ongoing reforms and initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to modernising its legal system, ensuring that it is better equipped to serve the needs of its citizens in an increasingly digital world.
