Philippine Supreme Court enhances access to justice through technology initiatives

The Supreme Court of the Philippines is enhancing access to justice through technology, particularly in remote areas like Tawi-Tawi. A new program, REAL Justice, uses videoconferencing to connect litigants with courts, reducing delays in case resolutions. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo's visit to Tawi-Tawi marked a significant step in this initiative. The Supreme Court is also revising rules to permanently include videoconferencing in court procedures, aiming to streamline case management and reduce costs. Additionally, the court is exploring artificial intelligence tools to improve administrative tasks, such as transcription and translation. The judiciary is prioritizing digitalization, with electronic filing for civil cases set to become mandatory, further modernizing the legal process.