The Philippine Supreme Court (SC) will assume the two-year presidency of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC) starting in 2027.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando announced the SC’s acceptance of the presidency during the AACC’s 7th Congress in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 1 and 2, 2026, which focused on digital court systems, artificial intelligence (AI), data protection, cybersecurity, and access to justice.

The Philippines will succeed Uzbekistan as AACC president for 2027–2029, following its nomination by Indonesia during the 5th AACC Congress in Mongolia in 2022 and the SC’s acceptance of the nomination, conveyed by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo to the AACC Board of Members in 2024.

In preparation for the presidency, Hernando said preparations for the presidency include the creation of a Technical Working Group and coordination with government offices.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen will represent the SC throughout the two-year term under the direction of the SC En Banc, while Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Vice Chancellor Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria will be appointed Secretary General of the Philippine Supreme Court to the AACC.

The SC also plans to strengthen cooperation among member institutions through judicial education, research, and capacity-building.

As part of its presidency, the Philippines will host the 8th AACC Congress, with the SC considering themes on judicial independence, emerging technologies, social justice, and the rule of law.

The 7th AACC Congress concluded its plenary session with the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration, affirming that the Constitution, judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law must remain paramount despite technological developments.

The declaration calls for transparent and explainable AI systems subject to human oversight, safeguards for personal data, meaningful human review and effective remedies when AI affects individual rights, and regular judicial training.

Established in 2010, the AACC is a regional forum of constitutional courts and equivalent institutions, including the Philippine Supreme Court as one of its seven founding members, that promotes cooperation on democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.

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