By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apprehensive of the possibility that the advancement of technology will eventually affect the human labor force, former movie actor and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlo “Arjo” Atayde has filed a bill seeking to prohibit employers from making decisions based solely on recommendations or results generated by the artificial intelligence (AI) or automation systems.
Atayde said his House Bill 9448 seeks to prohibit the replacement of human workers, displacement, loss of security of tenure, or diminution of existing salaries and/or benefits because of the adoption and use of AI and automation technologies.
“There is a fear that the use of AI will result in displacement by substituting human workers who will then lose their jobs,” Atayde said in the explanatory note of HB 9448.
Atayde said his bill, if passed, will regulate the use of AI and automation systems.
He added that the measure also seeks to promote labor augmentation as employers may deem AI useful in the workplace, provided that AI governance policies are in place.
“It is important to create a clear framework on the use of AI to minimize the chances of discrimination. The government should set forth policies in welcoming the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence that would augment human intelligence and skills without destroying or replacing jobs,” Atayde stressed.
(IAmigo/MNM)