‘Superbody’ eyed to handle AI technology concerns in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — A “superbody” handling artificial intelligence-related concerns has been proposed by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

“We Filipinos need to embrace AI because we cannot avoid it. Almost all countries are now undertaking what national policies they may need to make in order for progress – where AI knowhow is integrated – to continue,” Barbers said.

The Philippines, he said, needs a multi-agency regulatory body that would deal with the expected AI revolution, augment the existing skills of Filipino workers, increase the productivity of enterprises and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

The Department of Science and Technology, Department of Education and University of the Philippines, among other government institutions, have “crafted or (are) currently crafting their respective policies on AI,” Barbers noted.

A national AI agency would act as a “watchdog” to guard and penalize unscrupulous people who would take advantage of or use AI for criminal activities, he said.

In March 2023, Barbers filed House Bill 7396, seeking the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority.

“It outlines the principles of responsible AI usage and development, which include transparency, fairness, accountability and privacy,” he said.

The bill, he said, includes provisions to protect people’s privacy and personal data to prevent discrimination and bias in AI technologies, as well as mandating organizations to be transparent about their use of AI and provide explanations for decisions made by AI systems.