Toward a Filipino framework for AI

Toward a Filipino Framework for AI A Wiseacre's Guide

As we navigate the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is esse
essential to develop frameworks that are tailored to our unique cultural, s
social, and economic contexts. In this blog post, we will explore the role 
of toward a Filipino framework for AI, highlighting the strengths and weakn
weaknesses of existing proposals and what it means for the future of AI dev
development in the Philippines.

A New Approach

The conversation around AI in Manila has shifted from borrowed ideas to gro
grounded solutions that address the country's specific needs. Dominic Ligot
Ligot, Director for AI Ethics and Data Governance of the Philippine AI Busi
Business Association, has been at the forefront of this effort. He has iden
identified two strong foundation bills House Bills (HBs) 13 and 658.

Strengthening Foundations

Side by side, HBs 13 and 658 share similar principles, structures, and pena
penalties. Both establish a whole-of-government apparatus, including the Ph
Philippine Council on Artificial Intelligence (PCAI), a governance framewor
framework, code of ethics for developers, and regulatory sandbox. While the
they share some similarities, there are notable gaps that need to be addres
addressed.

Gaps in Current Proposals

Neither HB 13 nor HB 658 includes a risk-tiered classification system for A
AI applications, nor do they have standalone provisions on Filipino-languag
Filipino-language AI or cultural representation. Worker protections, while 
present, are not framed as enforceable rights. Both bills create a separate
separate Artificial Intelligence Board, which sits atop existing regulators
regulators.

A Sharper Alternative

Benchmarking notes and comparative analysis from Ligot and the CirroLytix a
and Data and AI Ethics PH team point to a sharper alternative the Philippi
Philippine AI Flourishing Act (4E Paifa). Proposed by Ligot, Claire Tayco, 
and Carljoe Javier, this bill has been submitted to the technical working g
group.

Governance

The biggest difference between 4E Paifa and existing proposals is in govern
governance. Instead of creating new regulators, 4E Paifa establishes a Nati
National AI Council under DOST that focuses on coordination and strategy. T
This approach reduces confusion and keeps rules more consistent across sect
sectors.

AI Ethics Officer

4E Paifa introduces the role of the AI Ethics Officer (AEO), required for a
any organization deploying AI systems. This role is not unlike the Data Pri
Privacy Officer, which became a standard in Philippine boardrooms after the
the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Rights Framework

The proposal codifies enforceable protections around human oversight, anti-
anti-discrimination, redress, and transparency, framed explicitly as the R
Rights of Filipinos in the Age of AI. It mandates advance notice before a
automation displaces workers, free reskilling programs, and compensation fo
for displacement. There is also a provision requiring Filipino-language AI 
systems and datasets.

Conclusion

As we move forward in developing AI frameworks that are relevant to our con
context, it is crucial to prioritize governance, ethics, and rights. The Ph
Philippine AI Flourishing Act offers a sharp alternative to existing propos
proposals, one that balances efficiency with people's rights. As Ligot puts
puts it This is better than if we attempted a more comprehensive bill. Th
The tradeoff is that the full bill will take much longer and may never pass
pass. We are already fully exposed.

Key Takeaways

The conversation around AI in Manila has shifted from borrowed ideas to g
grounded solutions.
HBs 13 and 658 share similar principles, structures, and penalties but ha
have notable gaps.
4E Paifa offers a sharper alternative with stronger governance, ethics, a
and rights frameworks.
Prioritizing human oversight, anti-discrimination, redress, and transpare
transparency is crucial for AI development.

Keywords Artificial Intelligence (AI), Philippine AI Business Associat
Association, AI Ethics Officer, National AI Council, Rights of Filipinos in
in the Age of AI.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.