By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Recognizing the global impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has renewed his call for the establishment of a multi-agency body, the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA), tasked with developing and implementing a national AI strategy.

“Almost every country in the world is now crafting policies or laws in response to advancements in AI. We Filipinos need to embrace AI because we cannot avoid it. We shouldn’t lag behind on this matter as it will greatly impact our society, particularly in education, business, and the economy,” said Barbers, overall chairman of the House Quad Committee.

The House Quad Committee is currently investigating, in aid of legislation, the complex connections between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drug trade, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous Duterte administration.

Barbers explained that the Philippines needs a multi-agency regulatory body to engage with the AI revolution, boost Filipino skills, increase business productivity, and enhance the economy’s competitiveness.

As chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Barbers highlighted that agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the University of the Philippines (UP), and the Department of Education (DepEd) are already working on individual AI policies, yet there is no national agency to regulate AI in a cohesive manner.

In March of last year, Barbers filed House Bill (HB) No. 7396, also known as the “Artificial Intelligence Development Act,” which aims to promote the development and regulation of AI in the Philippines.

HB 7396 defines AI as a broad term encompassing technologies like machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and natural language processing.

While Filipinos recognize AI’s importance in national development, Barbers pointed out that the rapid pace of technological advancements also presents risks that must be managed to maximize benefits and minimize potential downsides.

“With new technologies like AI, there will inevitably be those who use them for harm. We need to be prepared for that,” he added.

The bill includes provisions to protect individuals’ privacy and personal data, prevent discrimination and bias in AI technologies, ensure AI systems are safe and secure, mandate transparency in AI usage, and provide meaningful explanations for AI-driven decisions.

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