PH senator pushes for AI regulation
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine Senator Imee Marcos filed a resolution calling for an inquiry into using artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the country’s job market.
Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, is concerned that AI will displace workers in the services and manufacturing sectors, particularly in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) companies.
“AI is developing faster than most people can comprehend and is threatening to take away jobs and turn employment growth upside down,” the senator warned.
The senator also cited a study by Oxford Economics and Cisco which predicts that at least 1.1 million jobs in the Philippines will disappear by 2028 due to AI adoption.
Additionally, forecasts from Deloitte and KMPG said that investments in AI and automated machines would increase by 50% to 100% in the next three years.
Marcos stated that the Senate inquiry could be a platform to educate Filipino lawmakers about the global development of AI tech and the need to deal with the possible unemployment it may bring.
She also called for amendments to existing laws such as the Intellectual Property Code, Revised Penal Code, and Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Moreover, the senator is pushing for the upskilling and training of workers in services that AI cannot easily replace.
