Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen warned that unchecked artificial intelligence (AI) poses a threat to human development by impairing critical thinking and stifling the growth of essential skills.

He stressed that discussions must instead center on how the technology can promote justice and human dignity.

Leonen made the remarks during an address at a convention in Granada, Spain as he cautioned 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.

The justice, who spoke on behalf of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, stressed that AI and digital technology “must be deployed so as not to degrade human dignity and human rights,” noting that AI is a powerful tool “but without human consciousness.”

The convention was organized 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). Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier also attended the event.

Leonen outlined the Philippine 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 Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027.

The plan aims to modernize court operations, strengthen Information and Communications Technology 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.