The Supreme Court and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have forged a collaboration to modernize court systems in the country.

From 6 to 15 January 2025, KOICA will conduct a preliminary survey in Philippine courts to gather crucial information for the project.

Based on this survey, detailed plans for the systems' implementation will be outlined. KOICA aims to roll out the project by 2026.

The significant initiative was launched on 6 January 2025, aimed at modernizing court systems in the country, which will create an electronic verification, case and evidence management system, digitize court records, and train court personnel to implement these advancements.

The project seeks to reduce case backlogs and streamline adjudication processes by leveraging cutting-edge technology.

KOICA, a Korean governmental organization for official developmental assistance, will lead efforts to introduce advanced systems inspired by the Republic of Korea’s modern judicial practices.

On the other hand, Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Marvic M.V.F. Leonen gave an overview of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), the SC’s plan of action to address institutional challenges.

Leonen affirmed the Supreme Court’s dedication to improving the administration of justice through technology.

He emphasized the need to evolve with the changing times by doing away with outdated systems and moving towards a more efficient, innovative, and accessible judiciary. “We must prepare ourselves so that we as an institution can demonstrate our ability to adapt, no matter how daunting or difficult change may seem,” he said.

SAJ Leonen likewise noted how the SC’s collaboration with KOICA will strengthen the Philippine Judiciary’s ongoing initiatives to modernize court processes and harness artificial intelligence such as eCourt PH V2.0, CALESA Digital, and the development of voice-to-text applications for trial courts.

Presiding Judge Park Byungmin of the Republic of Korea shared an AI-generated video presentation showcasing Korea’s use of technology in courts. The presentation demonstrated innovations such as electronic litigation, judicial information systems, and video trial proceedings, inspiring Philippine court modernization efforts.

KOICA Philippines Country Director Kim Eunsub expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that integrating Korea’s advanced information security technologies will help establish a more transparent and efficient judicial system in the Philippines.