Sandiganbayan Highlights Lawyer’s AI Pleadings Errors
MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has flagged a lawyer for failing to properly review pleadings crafted using artificial intelligence (AI), which led to several erroneous citations. This incident has raised concerns about the reliance on AI in legal document preparation.
In a resolution dated August 7, the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division reminded Atty. Iryl Boco to thoroughly fact-check AI-generated information. The court emphasized the importance of accuracy in legal citations and adherence to professional responsibilities.
Reminder to Fact-Check AI-Generated Research
“In future submissions of documents before the court, counsel is reminded to fact-check any AI-generated research and to strictly observe proper citations of legal authorities concomitant to her duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability,” the resolution stated.
Officials reported that the issue arose after the Sandiganbayan issued a show cause order against Boco. The order sought an explanation for the “misquotations” found in the pleadings she submitted on behalf of former deputy director general Dennis Cunanan of the now-defunct Technology Resource Center (TRC). The court also considered referring the matter to the Supreme Court for violation of Section 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.
Faulty Citations and Misquotations Identified
According to court findings, several legal authorities cited in the motions either did not exist or lacked the quoted passages. Additionally, the documents contained incorrect docket numbers and dates, causing further discrepancies.
Community members noted that these errors could undermine the credibility of legal proceedings and the integrity of court submissions.
Lawyer Takes Responsibility and Explains Circumstances
Atty. Boco submitted a Compliance and Explanation letter acknowledging the seriousness of the errors and taking full responsibility. She clarified that the pleadings were actually drafted by Atty. Je Froilan Clerigo, Cunanan’s former counsel, who utilized AI tools to research case law.
However, Boco admitted that when she signed the motions, she believed the content was accurate. She confessed to not thoroughly reviewing the pleadings, which is a crucial part of her legal duties.
Sandiganbayan Accepts Apology, Emphasizes Accountability
The Sandiganbayan accepted Boco’s apology and commended her for being forthright in admitting the mistakes. The court reiterated that despite AI tools being used, the ultimate responsibility lies with the lawyer who signed the documents.
“While Atty. Boco explained that she did not, on her own, draft the motions, and that AI-enabled tools were employed in researching the issues, the ultimate responsibility of the misquotations ultimately fell on her shoulders as she signed the same,” the resolution read.
Local leaders highlighted that no prejudice was caused since the misquotations were promptly discovered. The court noted the Compliance and Explanation documents dated July 24, 2025, filed in all related cases.
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