‘You can teach a computer law, but not judgment’

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December 14, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — While technological changes in the legal profession are welcome, the elements of passion, empathy and a moral compass is still a human’s enduring competitive advantage, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr. said.

In his keynote speech at the San Beda Law Grand Alumni Homecoming in Taguig City yesterday, Kho highlighted ongoing judicial reforms under the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations, including the digitalization of court processes.

Kho said that while the judiciary undergoes digital transformation, technology cannot replace human judgment, compassion and ethical responsibility – qualities essential to the fair administration of justice.

“You can teach a computer the law, but you cannot teach it judgment. You cannot teach it compassion,” he said.

He also acknowledged the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence but believes that lawyers’ roles will not be reduced as AI takes over certain tasks.

“Don’t ever let technology diminish the humanity you bring to the law,” Kho added.

Kho earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the San Beda College of Law in 1991 and placed 10th in the Bar examinations that year.