Manila: The Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework for the Philippines is expected to be finalized within two months, according to a Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) official on Wednesday. In her presentation at the 2026 National Innovation Day at the Diamond Hotel Manila, DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the draft framework has already been presented to various stakeholders, including the academe.

According to Philippines News Agency, Edillon noted that further consultations will be conducted to ensure the framework adheres to good governance principles. The framework, she said, seeks to ensure that AI is grounded in sound governance, supported by an AI-ready data system, strengthened by enhanced capabilities, and backed by expanded infrastructure. "And we know that we have an existing ecosystem. It just needs to be enhanced," Edillon said.

She added that the government aims to promote AI development and deployment that safeguards sovereignty and the long-term sustainability of the economy and society through responsible use. "So our goal is to have a trusted, inclusive, and ethical AI ecosystem that accelerates innovation and drives the globally competitive Philippines," Edillon said.

DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the National AI Strategy of the Philippines serves as a roadmap for responsible AI development and utilization. "This strategy focuses on building infrastructure, developing talent, supporting research, ensuring good governance, and promoting real-world applications across key sectors," he said.

Balisacan emphasized that while AI presents significant opportunities, it also brings challenges. He highlighted its potential to boost economies by enhancing productivity, improving services, and creating new industries. However, he noted that readiness remains uneven, citing the wide gap between advanced and developing economies, particularly in digital infrastructure, computing capacity, and data systems.

"In the Philippines, we are working to strengthen these foundations. We are expanding connectivity, building data centers, and investing in high-performance computing. At the same time, we are improving digital governance to deliver more integrated and efficient public services," Balisacan said.