Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Wednesday urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member parliaments to focus on the responsible governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to prevent their misuse by terrorist and violent extremist groups. This call was made during his keynote address at the commencement of a parliamentary training course designed to address the legislative and policy measures needed to counter the use of AI and new technologies for terrorism and violent extremism.
According to Philippines News Agency, the training course is being conducted under the theme 'Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous, and People-Centered ASEAN,' with the Philippine House of Representatives currently presiding over the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. Dy emphasized that the theme underscores the role of parliaments as not just legislative bodies but also as protectors of peace, promoters of prosperity, and advocates for the populace.
Dy highlighted the essential role AI plays in everyday life, aiding in efficient government service delivery, economic growth, and enhancing community connections. He mentioned that the Philippines is actively working to harness technology to streamline legislative processes, thereby serving their constituents more effectively.
Nonetheless, Dy cautioned against the potential misuse of new technologies, referencing instances where extremist groups have manipulated social media, deepfake content, encrypted platforms, and AI-driven tools. He underscored that these are not speculative threats but documented occurrences worldwide.
He shared that the Philippines has encountered the adverse effects of digital platform misuse, especially in spreading disinformation, inciting fear, and eroding trust in public institutions during elections and emergencies. Recognizing these challenges, Dy highlighted the importance of law enforcement action, legislative oversight, and robust digital governance as part of the country's strategy.
Furthermore, Dy announced the inclusion of the Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Bill in the priority legislative agenda, committing to its passage in the ongoing 20th Congress. He stressed the necessity of balancing security measures with safeguards that protect rights and foster public trust, asserting that trust is cultivated not only through harm prevention but also via fair, transparent, and accountable laws.
He called for ongoing collaboration among ASEAN parliaments, noting that terrorism and violent extremism transcend national boundaries. Dy emphasized that to address these issues effectively, continuous cooperation among ASEAN member parliaments is crucial to ensure laws, oversight, and shared standards advance collectively.
Dy concluded by stating that the training course aims to equip lawmakers with insights into responsible AI governance, legal frameworks, and oversight tools, while also reinforcing cooperation within ASEAN and beyond. He reiterated the importance of unwavering resolve in the face of borderless threats like terrorism and violent extremism.
