Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen warns unchecked artificial intelligence (AI) could impair critical thinking, stressing discussions must center on how it can promote justice and human dignity.

This was stressed by Leonen as he cautioned that AI, if used without proper oversight, poses a threat to human development by impairing critical thinking and stifling the growth of essential skills.

Leonen said this in an address at a convention in Spain, stressing that while digital technology is a powerful tool for increasing efficiency and improving access to justice, its adoption must be guided by thoughtful development and responsible regulation.

He told those who attended the convention held from 15 to 17 October 2025 that AI and digital must be deployed so as not to degrade human dignity and human rights, adding digital technology with AI is a powerful tool, but without human consciousness.

Held in Granada, Spain, the event was organised under the CALESA Digital project (Digital Capacity Building for Legal and Social Advancement in the Philippines Project) and sponsored by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

Leonen, who attended alongside Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, spoke on behalf of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, and noted that while digital transformation is crucial for improving the justice system’s efficiency, it must be grounded in strong policies on cybersecurity and transparency, and begin with “managing human change.”

He likewise outlined the judiciary’s strategy for embracing the digital era, stressing that technology presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reimagine justice delivery while keeping human values central.

This vision is encapsulated in the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027.

The plan aims to modernize court operations, strengthen Information and Communications Technology (ICT) governance, promote data-driven policymaking, and responsibly leverage AI for legal research and court management.

A core component of the SPJI is eCourtPH, a fully digital platform designed to replace paper-based processes from filing to adjudication, seeking to reduce delays and improve transparency.