Bill seeks to regulate AI in PH

Metro Manila, Philippines - A bill seeking to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) was proposed in the 20th Congress, in a bid to “strike a balance between promoting technological advancement and ensuring AI safety for purposes of public interest.”

On Wednesday, July 2, Sen. Pia Cayetano filed the measure titled “Artificial Intelligence Regulation,” citing the opportunities and risks brought by the new technology.

“AI systems rely on data and models that may be incomplete, biased, or manipulated, reflecting the subjective or commercial choices of developers. These raise concerns such as algorithmic bias, discrimination, and AI hallucinations, where systems generate false or misleading outputs with confidence,” she said.

The senator wants to regulate the development and use of all types of AI, which will apply to individuals, corporations, and institutions that develop and operate the system.

Cayetano’s measure also aims to create a National AI commission under the Department of Science and Technology, which will be authorized to hear and decide on cases and impose administrative sanctions on violations under the measure.

Among the prohibited acts are the development and deployment of unregistered AI systems, as well as using the technology to “commit, facilitate, or conceal fraud, crimes, or cause harm,” and “manipulate public opinion and spread disinformation,” among others.

Violators may face fines and imprisonment, depending on the offense.

“The State bears the responsibility to ensure that AI will never be used to perpetrate crimes, abuse rights, cause harm or unintended consequences, whether through intent or accident, while supporting Filipino ingenuity and technological progress,” said Cayetano.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report