MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe called for the creation of guidelines and tools to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in the Philippines are ethical, inclusive, and innovative.

Speaking before members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Poe stressed the urgency of crafting governance mechanisms as AI continues to transform business, industries, and homes.

“I know that there are laws now that are being proposed in the Senate. It’s still pending. It’s very important that we don’t just rush and pass a law without actual and proper consultation,” she said.

Poe cautioned against overregulating emerging technologies, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between innovation and safety.

“But definitely AI has to be somewhat regulated because, for example, we know that they use AI now to impersonate people and to scam people. But we also use AI in research and many other ways by which we are able to improve our lives. So all of these considerations have to be balanced before we can pass a law that can address AI,” she added.

During the event, Poe expressed appreciation for the Indian-Filipino community’s contributions to the country’s economic and social development. She highlighted the partnership between Filipino firm Megawide and India’s GMR, which developed the Cebu-Mactan International Airport.

“We have also seen that many Indians are natural entrepreneurs. They create jobs and, of course, they’re a peace-loving group here in our country. We need to continue to encourage more of them to come in and invest here, especially with the passage of the Public Service Act,” she said.

Poe, as former chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, led the passage of Republic Act 11659, which amended the Public Services Act to allow greater foreign investment in sectors like telecommunications.

“We believe that opening up the economy to more players will encourage competition which will spur efficiency and give consumers better choices,” she said.

“With these policies in place, it is hoped that more Indian enterprises will make the Philippines an investment destination of choice,” Poe said.