Regulating Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines: Policy Paper

AI has transformed global technology, impacting finance, security, and healthcare, among others. This paper explores AI challenges in the Philippines, assesses international frameworks, and proposes tailored approaches. It concludes by evaluating the country’s readiness for Regulating Artificial Intelligence.

Regulating Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines: Policy Paper by Dayrit, Micaella, Nalagon, Gian Bern, Pajo, Divine Grace, Pineda Julis Gabriel, Rivera, Julia Alessandra, Professor Chad Patrick T. Osorio

In recent years, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has slowly but inevitably transformed the global technological landscape, heralding a new era of advancements that may have seemed impossible in the past decades.

This AI-driven paradigm shift has ushered in substantial enhancements across a myriad of sectors, including but not limited to finance, national security, transportation, and communication. Its trajectory is marked by relentless innovation as it forges new pathways and benchmarks of progress. From pushing improvements in the health sector in terms of more precise diagnostics and accelerated drug discovery to advancing manufacturing by providing leveraged sophisticated algorithms to refine production processes and improve the efficiency of the delivery of goods and services, there is no doubt that AI has come a long way in the ways of our economy.

Despite the recognition of AI’s role in fostering innovation and streamlining operational efficiency, its swift integration into the fabric of society raises a host of complex challenges. These challenges compel a rigorous analysis of AI’s economic repercussions and underscore the urgency for judicious regulatory frameworks. The rapid expansion of AI applications has been met with measured skepticism among various stakeholders, including scientists, economists, and policymakers.

This ambivalence stems from a prudent recognition of the potential risks associated with the unchecked proliferation of AI systems. Consequently, this paper aims to dissect the multifaceted imperative for AI regulation within the Philippine context.

Part I aims to provide a critical assessment in the context of Philippine-specific challenges and the current state posed by AI on issues.

In Part II, attention is directed toward the existing and ongoing international legal and regulatory landscape of AI, providing a comparative backdrop.

Founded on this comparative analysis, Part III delves into a comprehensive analysis of the unique challenges the Philippines faces in implementing AI regulation. Building on this analysis, the part also proposes tailored regulatory approaches and frameworks.

In the end, Part IV synthesizes these discussions, evaluating whether the Philippines is currently able and prepared to adopt new regulations for AI.

Download the whole report here.

About the Authors:

Micaella Dayrit is an Economics undergraduate student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, specializing in Development Economics. Micaella takes part in activities even outside of her field, especially those that promote women’s rights and welfare.

Gian Bern Nalagon is an Economics undergraduate student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, specializing in Development Economics. Passionate about economic empowerment and public service, Gian actively engages in projects that advocates for equal access to opportunities and is committed in developing inclusive and sustainable communities.

Divine Grace Pajo, an Economics undergraduate specializing in Environmental Economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, is a fervent advocate for women’s empowerment. Beyond her academic pursuits, she dedicates herself to initiatives fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for women.

Julius Gabriel Pineda is an Economics undergraduate student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, specializing in Development Economics. Julius has a passion for giving back to the community by applying the things he has learned in economics.

Julia Alessandra Rivera is an Economics undergraduate student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, specializing in Development Economics. With a passion for the intersection of economics, management, and law, Julia has actively engaged in various extracurricular activities through participating in organizations aligned with her personal aspirations and beliefs.