Source: Business Mirror

Philippine Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has proposed integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into arbitration processes to enhance efficiency and transparency in dispute resolution. The move aligns with broader efforts to modernize the judiciary by adopting legal technology solutions.

Gesmundo emphasized that AI could streamline arbitration by automating case analysis, drafting legal documents, and even assisting in decision-making. By reducing human workload, AI-driven arbitration could lead to faster resolutions, reducing backlog in the court system.

A key advantage of AI in arbitration is its ability to analyze large volumes of case law and provide relevant legal precedents within seconds. This can significantly aid arbitrators in making informed decisions, improving accuracy and consistency in rulings.

However, concerns about the use of AI in arbitration remain. Legal experts warn that AI’s involvement in dispute resolution raises issues of bias, accountability, and due process. There is also the challenge of ensuring that AI-generated arbitration decisions remain fair and interpretable.

To address these challenges, Gesmundo proposed a hybrid model where AI assists in procedural tasks, while human arbitrators retain final decision-making authority. He also highlighted the need for clear regulations and safeguards to ensure AI integration does not compromise legal fairness.

The Philippine judiciary is expected to explore pilot programs testing AI in arbitration, with potential long-term adoption depending on effectiveness and legal scrutiny.