Poe, Benitez Push for AI That Works for All Filipinos — Not Just the Powerful

 

Leaders unite at the State of the Nation in A.I. to advance inclusive AI progress in the Philippines.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may still sound like a buzzword to many Filipinos a concept associated with Silicon Valley giants, tech billionaires, or scenes from futuristic films. But for two lawmakers, AI is no longer a distant idea. It is an urgent national priority.

Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list and Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez are calling for decisive action to ensure AI benefits ordinary Filipinos not just large corporations or elite institutions.

From Planning to Execution

Rep. Benitez emphasized that the country must move beyond discussions and pilot programs.

“The Philippines has moved past the phase of AI pilots and position papers. What we need now is execution. The next two years are about turning AI into real, working solutions that improve public services, create jobs, and strengthen trust,” Benitez said.

His statement underscores a broader frustration: government roadmaps and strategic plans often fail to translate into tangible improvements. For many Filipinos, what matters is not another policy document, but faster services, better opportunities, and protection from job displacement as technology advances.

AI Is About People

Rep. Poe echoed the urgency but grounded the conversation in human impact.

“When we talk about artificial intelligence, we are ultimately talking about people — workers navigating change, small businesses trying to stay competitive, and communities that need government to work better and faster,” Poe said.

For the lawmakers, AI is not merely about software or automation. It is about whether a sari-sari store owner can access smarter financial tools, whether disaster response can be improved through predictive systems, and whether Filipino workers can transition into new industries instead of being left behind.

Legislative Action Underway

Congress is already considering measures to institutionalize AI governance and workforce transition.

Poe highlighted two key proposals:

• The Artificial Intelligence Development Authority Bill, which seeks to establish a national governance framework for AI development and regulation.

• The Career Transition Assistance Bill, designed to reskill and support workers affected by automation and technological disruption.

Poe issued a clear warning:

“AI adoption without worker transition is not progress — it’s outright disruption.”

The concern reflects a global debate: innovation can drive growth, but without safeguards, it may widen inequality and displace thousands of workers.

Government Must Not Be the Bottleneck

Both lawmakers acknowledged that legislation alone will not guarantee success. Implementation remains the real test.

“When regulators, implementers, operators, investors, and end-users are aligned, government must be structured to move with them — not slow them down,” Poe said.

In essence, they argue that government must enable innovation rather than hinder it through bureaucracy.

Inclusive AI for Communities and MSMEs

A central theme of their push is inclusivity. AI development, they insist, must not be monopolized by major corporations. Instead, it should reach micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local government units, and grassroots communities.

Potential applications include:

• AI-powered disaster preparedness tools for barangays

• Digital platforms that help small businesses compete in the online marketplace

• Smarter public service systems that reduce red tape

“This is what progress looks like: specific, practical, and owned,” Poe added.

A Critical Moment for the Philippines

Filipinos have historically embraced technology quickly — from texting to social media to digital wallets. However, AI presents a deeper transformation. It affects not only convenience but also employment, governance, and the country’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Benitez emphasized the urgency:

“Countries that move decisively on AI governance now will shape the next decade. The Philippines intends to be one of them.”

The challenge now extends beyond lawmakers. It calls for public awareness, accountability, and engagement to ensure AI development serves national interests.

The future of AI in the Philippines is not simply about machines or algorithms. It is about whether ordinary Filipinos are given a fair opportunity to benefit from progress.

The real test is not whether AI arrives — it already has. The real question is whether it will work for the many, and not just the powerful.