SC Highlights Technology and Legal Innovation at 6th National Family Courts Summit
October 06, 2025
Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen (7th from left, center row) leads the 6th National Family Courts Summit held on September 29 to 30, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. With him are: (from left) Supreme Court Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, and Amy C. Lazaro-Javier; Singapore Family Justice Courts District Judge and Assistant Registrar Carol Liew; Australia Federal Circuit and Family Court Justice Alister McNab; Australia Ambassador H.E. Marc Innes-Brown; Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian; SC Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting; Singapore Family Justice Courts Registrar Kenneth Yap; SC Associate Justices Samuel H. Gaerlan, Jhosep Y. Lopez, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Antonio T. Kho, Jr; and retired Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
The Supreme Court (SC), through its Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns (Committee) and its Technical Working Group (TWG), and the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), held the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 29–30, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City.
With the theme “Bridging Justice: Enhancing Access and Efficiency in Family Courts Through Technology and Legal Innovation,” the Summit brought together nearly 500 judges from statutory and designated Family Courts, as well as single-sala and multiple-sala courts handling family cases.
The two-day event, led by Committee Co-Chairpersons Associate Justices Amy C. Lazaro-Javier and Jhosep Y. Lopez, aimed to update judges on recent laws, rules, and jurisprudence; share best practices; and promote the use of digital tools to improve court processes. The Summit was held in partnership with Australian Aid and the Fostering Advancement of Inclusive and Rights-based Justice (FAIR Justice) program.
Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen gives a keynote address and lecture on the technological direction of Philippine family courts at the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 29, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
In his keynote address and lecture titled “Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 in relation to Strategic Technological Directions for Family Courts,” Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to using technology, upgrading court personnels’ skills, and strengthening institutions to ensure the swift and fair delivery of justice.
He said that for family courts, this means protecting the rights and welfare of children and families. He also urged judges to revisit traditional views on marriage, which directly affect children:
“But to truly uphold and protect, my challenge is for all of us to revisit and reassess, always, our judicial premises, so that our laws can reflect the true present realities. Our constant effort should not be merely to follow worn-out doctrines and perspectives, but to actually do justice to all forms of the family.”
Reflecting further, the Acting Chief Justice stressed that families cannot be confined to a single, dominant model:
“A family is more than formal marriages. There are healthy, intimate relationships that extend beyond what our dominant doctrines currently envision. There are other ethical and just ways to organize intimate relationships that do not conform to a dominant religious or post-colonial perspective of marriage or family.”
He warned that prevailing views of marriage as the “ideal” endpoint of relationships often affect children, noting that “those born outside marital unions bear the consequences of their parents’ inability to regulate their intimate affairs.”
In this regard, he emphasized that the law and adjudication shape how society defines what is normal. Courts, through proper procedures and sound decisions, can either preserve unjust systems or promote fairness. He urged family courts to use this responsibility to uphold what is truly just.
Building on these reflections, the Acting Chief Justice pointed to reforms under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI), aimed at reorganizing the court system to help family court judges work more efficiently and focus on adjudication. Among these are the development of a Benchbook for Family Courts, the issuance of victim-sensitive guidelines to prevent further trauma and ensure early access to social services, the new Rule on Family Mediation, the rollout of eCourtPH, the drafting of an AI Governance Framework, and the creation of the Office of the Regional Court Manager.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier gives the welcome remarks at the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 29, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
In her welcome remarks, Justice Lazaro-Javier stressed the importance of family courts in maintaining peace and harmony within families. She reminded that because everyone belongs to a family, a stable and reliable justice system is essential:
“When the peace and harmony of the fundamental unit of society hangs in the balance, family courts must readily provide all parties with a succor they urgently desire.”
She explained that the stability and reliability of family courts must be viewed in light of the country’s ongoing modernization and digitalization. Judges, as “fellow protectors of the family and steadfast advocates of technology,” must continue strengthening their judicial capacity, with the SC leading efforts to bring justice to the people’s fingertips through the internet and social media.
Beyond decisions and rules, Justice Lazaro-Javier said, justice must be felt in the daily lives of every Filipino family. To this end, she explained that the Judiciary is working to streamline processes while safeguarding cybersecurity and privacy, especially in sensitive family cases.
Justice Lazaro-Javier concluded by assuring family court judges that these reforms are a token of the Court’s deep admiration and gratitude for their compassion and dedication. These tools, she said, will help them focus on what truly matters – giving justice to families and protecting the nation’s future:
“For when we protect the family and foster their healing, we also protect and ensure the wholesome development and growth of every Filipino child – the seeds of hope and progress of our nation, and the future leaders, shakers, and movers of the world.”
Other Supreme Court Associate Justices present at the opening ceremony were Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Rodil V. Zalameda, Samuel H. Gaerlan, Jose Midas P. Marquez, Antonio T. Kho, Jr., and Raul B. Villanueva.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian and Ambassador of Australia H.E. Marc Innes-Brown also gave messages of support. Secretary Gatchalian emphasized the close link between the DSWD and the courts, especially in cases involving children and vulnerable groups. Ambassador Innes-Brown praised the SC’s reforms and FAIR Justice’s support for family mediation and highlighted the importance of sharing best practices to strengthen judicial systems.
The Summit featured plenary sessions led by experts in law, law enforcement, crime investigation, and child protection
The first day of the conference featured a series of insightful and timely discussions on the intersection of technology, justice, and family law.
Hon. Kenneth Yap, Registrar of the Family Courts of Singapore, discussed technology and access to justice, highlighting digital reforms that improve efficiency and accessibility in the Singapore Family Courts. Police Captain Noel B. Cuestas, head of the Digital Forensics Unit at the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police, addressed issues related to digital evidence and online abuse.
Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Jose Lorenzo R. de la Rosa explained the global role of the Hague Evidence Convention in family court cases, emphasizing its importance for cross-border evidence collection and cooperation in family law. Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres of Branch 79, Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Morong, Rizal, presented on judicial ethics in the digital age, focusing on judges’ ethical responsibilities amid technological advances and social media.
Dr. Bernadette J. Madrid, Executive Director of the Child Protection Unit, delivered a lecture on trauma-informed decision-making for family court judges, highlighting the importance of understanding trauma’s effects on children and families in judicial proceedings.
Local and international experts give invaluable insights and information related to handling family cases at the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 29, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City: (clockwise, from uppermost left) Singapore Family Justice Courts Registrar Kenneth Yap; Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Jose Lorenzo R. De la Rosa; CA Associate Justice Geraldine C. Fiel-Macaraig; Philippine National Police Digital Forensic Unit Officer-in-Charge Police Captain Noel B. Cuestas; Child Protection Unit Executive Director Dr. Bernadette J. Madrid; and Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres of Branch 79, Regional Trial Court, Morong, Rizal. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
CA Associate Justice Geraldine C. Fiel-Macaraig led the launch of the SC’s Benchbook on Judicial Forms for Family Courts, presenting its features and demonstrating how the editable templates can help judges streamline decision writing and improve efficiency in handling family cases. She clarified, however, that the forms are not binding and may be modified as needed to address the particular circumstances of each case. She also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center – Institute for the Administration of Justice, led by UP College of Law Dean Gwen Grecia-De Vera and Professor Hector Danny D. Uy, to the Benchbook’s development.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, Co-Chairperson of the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary, delivers a lecture on gender-fair language and courtroom etiquette at the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 30, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Justice Lopez, Co-Chairperson of the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary, gave a lecture on the second day of the Summit, titled “Gender Fair Language and Courtroom Etiquette for Family Courts.” He said that gender sensitivity in language and behavior is not just symbolic, but a legal duty. Citing recent SC issuances, he emphasized that equal protection under the law requires recognizing the full range of human identities and experiences. He also discussed cases where judges have been administratively sanctioned for failing to use gender-sensitive language, serving as reminders of the duty to uphold fairness and respect.
Justice Lopez concluded by reminding that gender-fair language is not about being “politically correct,” but about ensuring a justice system that is truly fair for all. He urged, “Let us not commit to blind justice, but to justice that listens, understands, and respects.”
Retired Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro, the inaugural Chairperson of the Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns, delivered a special message reflecting on the Committee’s history and accomplishments. She highlighted how family courts have developed into a robust network of specialized courts that exchange knowledge, build consensus, and suggest reforms to the Supreme Court.
The conference’s second day featured high-level plenary sessions highlighting recent advancements and best practices in family law and mediation. CA Associate Justice Emily L. San Gaspar-Gito presented updates on family law jurisprudence, offering a detailed overview of key decisions affecting practice and procedure. A collaborative session on Family Mediation included CA Associate Justice Angelene Mary W. Quimpo-Sale, District Judge Carol Liew from Singapore’s Family Courts, and Justice Alister McNab from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. They shared regional viewpoints and practical insights into how mediation can resolve family disputes efficiently, emphasizing the evolving role of courts in encouraging non-adversarial approaches.
The Summit concluded with closing remarks from PHILJA Vice Chancellor and retired SC Associate Justice Edgardo L. Delos-Santos.
Retired Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro gives a message at the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 30, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Local and international experts give invaluable insights and information related to handling family cases at the 6th National Family Courts Summit on September 29, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City: (clockwise, from uppermost left) Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Emily L. San Gaspar-Gito; Singapore Family Justice Courts District Judge Carol Liew; CA Associate Justice Angelene Mary W. Quimpo-Sale; and Australia Federal Circuit and Family Court Justice Alister McNab. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
The Summit’s main facilitators included retired Deputy Court Administrator Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino, Sandiganbayan Associate Justices Lorifel Lacap Pahimna and Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega, as well as Deputy Clerk of Court and Judicial Reform Program Administrator Atty. Laura C.H. Del Rosario.
At the end of each day, Committee TWG members Judge Elijo Sharon R. Herrera-Bellones from Branch 27, RTC Iloilo City, and Judge Mohammad Aquil A. Tamano from Branch 77, RTC San Mateo, Rizal, provided summaries of the key points from Day One and Day Two.
The 6th National Family Courts Summit reaffirmed the SC’s commitment to making family courts more responsive, innovative, and inclusive – ensuring fair and just outcomes for Filipino families and children. (Press release courtesy of the SC Office of the Spokesperson)
Almost 500 family court judges attend the 6th National Family Courts Summit held from September 29 to 30, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)