Government urged to use AI for good governance

MANILA, Philippines —  The government should mandate its institutions and public servants to use artificial intelligence to improve services, strengthen oversight and protect public resources, a leading think tank said.

Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit said the E-Governance Act provides a strong foundation for this transformation by promoting connected government systems and responsive, transparent and citizen-centered public services.

A year has passed since the law was signed on Sept. 5, 2025. Its implementing rules were signed last March.

“The opportunity before us is to build on the E-Governance Act and develop public institutions that are empowered by reliable data, capable personnel and AI systems that are transparent, secure and subject to human oversight,” Manhit said. “This is how technology can contribute to better governance.”

“For Filipinos, digital government should mean fewer trips to public offices, shorter queues and lower transaction costs. For public servants, it should mean better information, fewer repetitive tasks and more time to address the needs of citizens,” he said.

Manhit said these digital systems would allow government to use AI for more advanced tasks. AI could help agencies compare bids and prices, cross-check tax and customs records, monitor project schedules, identify service bottlenecks and flag unusual transactions for further review.

“AI empowerment does not mean merely giving agencies access to new software. It requires accurate, complete, up-to-date and systematically organized government data, redesigned processes and public servants equipped with the skills to make faster, more informed decisions while remaining accountable,” he said.

As lawmakers deliberate on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, Manhit said digital and AI-supported systems could strengthen the management of programs and public funds.

“Every peso protected from leakage is a peso that can support classrooms, health facilities, farm-to-market roads, water systems and other services needed by our communities,” he said.

Manhit stressed that AI should assist, rather than replace, auditors, investigators, project managers and officials responsible for decisions. Human judgment and accountability must remain central, particularly when the use of public funds or access to essential services is involved.

“The government now has the opportunity to pursue digitalization and AI readiness as complementary efforts. Agencies should advance both simultaneously by connecting their systems, improving data quality, training employees and testing AI applications that will address inefficiencies,” Manhit said.

Manhit urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology to continue developing standards that allow government systems to securely share and use data, while national agencies and local governments strengthen their digital platforms and workforce capabilities.

“The government should lead this transformation, but it does not have to build every capability on its own. Partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions can bring technology, infrastructure, technical expertise and training, while government sets clear standards, protects public data and remains accountable for results,” Manhit said.

Safeguards covering privacy, cybersecurity, accuracy, human oversight and accountability must also be incorporated at the outset, he said.

“The purpose of AI empowerment is good governance that citizens can experience—services that are easier to access, decisions supported by better information and public resources managed with greater transparency,” Manhit said.