The Philippines is writing an artificial intelligence law that devotes more of its provisions to building the technology than restricting it, Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said on Tuesday, July 14.
The proposed Artificial Intelligence Development and Regulation Act will fund computing access for Filipino researchers and push AI adoption into small businesses and schools, a press release from Benitez office said.
Strict regulations under the bill are reserved only for high-risk systems that decide on people’s loans, jobs, and health.
“We studied Brussels, Washington, and Beijing, but we are writing a Filipino law, one that works for the farmer, the teacher, and the small business owner in the province,” Benitez said.
Benitez chairs the technical working group (TWG) under the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Around 60 stakeholders from government agencies, regulators, industry, universities, and civil society groups joined Monday’s deliberations at Speaker Nograles Hall.
The measure is a top priority of the House of Representatives, the press release said.
The draft substitute bill consolidates 26 House bills, three House resolutions, and one privilege speech referred to the TWG.
During the session, the panel refined the bill’s objectives.
Participants agreed that AI systems should be designed to support human autonomy, informed decision-making, and meaningful human oversight.
The panel adopted language ensuring AI is deployed to enhance rather than degrade human cognition.
Stakeholders also raised the need to address AI’s environmental impact.
They stressed building sovereign AI capabilities to support national security and strengthening the country’s resilience in AI diplomacy amid volatile global supply chains.
In the current version of the bill, most AI systems will not need to register with the government.
Registration and safety checks apply only to high-risk systems.
Startups may operate under a government-established regulatory sandbox. This sandbox allows for the supervised development, training, testing, and validation of new AI systems.
The bill also protects workers affected by AI-driven labor displacement. No Filipino may be dismissed by an algorithm alone. Employers must also give a 60-day notice and provide retraining before any displacement caused by AI.
“The goal is a law our innovators can build on, our regulators can enforce, and every Filipino can trust,” Benitez said.
Stakeholders have until July 20 to submit proposed amendments through the Committee on ICT Secretariat. The panel will reconvene within the month, the press release said.*
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