By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen has warned judges, lawyers and law students against blindly relying on artificial intelligence (AI), saying technology must enhance human judgment—not replace it.
Speaking at Ateneo de Naga University on September 12, Leonen said understanding AI is now essential for the legal profession.
“A profession cannot critically use what it does not understand,” he said.
Leonen made the remarks during the Supreme Court’s AI Caravan, where he outlined the risks of allowing machines to take over tasks requiring human reasoning and judgment.
He warned that excessive dependence on AI could weaken critical-thinking skills, saying abilities that are no longer practiced can deteriorate.
“What you do not use, you will lose,” he said.
Leonen said one of the most serious dangers for lawyers and judges is AI-generated hallucinations—including nonexistent cases and citations.
Even when an AI system cites a real case, he said, it may wrongly interpret what the ruling actually means.
“The case exists, the citation is correct, but the authority it interprets does not support the proposition,” he said.
Such errors could become especially dangerous if an incorrect AI interpretation is repeatedly cited until it is treated as legal doctrine.
“A justice uses AI, and says, this is the rationale. Then somebody cites that again. Then somebody cites that again. What is wrong becomes a whole doctrine,” Leonen warned.
He stressed that AI can process complex procedures but lacks the human qualities needed to understand individual circumstances.
Leonen urged legal professionals to use AI as a research and analytical aid rather than as an authority.
“AI should not provide the answer, but it’s supposed to challenge your own thinking,” he said.
He advised users to verify AI outputs, test assumptions, identify gaps in reasoning and continue developing their own reading and writing skills.
Leonen also distinguished AI from the Judiciary’s digitalization program, particularly eCourt PH, which is designed to speed up filing and protect court records through digital storage.
Under the Supreme Court’s AI Governance Framework, court personnel are prohibited from using AI tools unless approved by the Court. Leonen said the only currently approved AI tool is Scriptix, a voice-to-text transcription system used by court stenographers.
The lecture was held in partnership with the Ateneo de Naga University College of Law and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Camarines Sur Chapter. Former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo delivered the opening remarks.
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