MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero has filed a bill seeking to impose prison terms and monetary penalties against individuals found guilty of using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread false information, malign others, or promote deceptive investment schemes.

“Used properly, AI could serve as a powerful tool for education, business, and other fields for improving productivity, research and finding solutions to complex problems. However, the reality is that AI is being exploited by some to cause personal harm or undermine public trust,” Escudero said.

Under Senate Bill No. 782 or the Physical Identity Protection Act, any person who creates, generates, reproduces, simulates, distributes, or publishes an individual’s physical attributes in any media content without their consent may be held criminally liable.

Escudero warned that if not addressed, such malicious practices could grow and harm more unsuspecting victims.

“Madalas makikita natin ang ilang mga pulitiko at pati na ang mga malalaking negosyante na tila may tinutulak na produkto o investment na hindi mo alam kung lehitimo, pero ang katotohanan ay ginagamit lang ang imahe nila sa pamamagitan ng AI na walang anumang pahintulot galing sa kanila,” he said.

The bill proposes imprisonment of one to two years or a fine of up to ₱200,000, or both, for individuals who use another person’s physical attributes without consent or legal basis.

If the intent is to gain profit, the penalty increases to two to four years in prison or a fine between ₱200,000 and ₱400,000, or both. For content designed to facilitate or commit crime or fraud, the penalty is four to six years imprisonment or a fine ranging from ₱400,000 to ₱600,000, or both.

If both profit and criminal intent are involved, the proposed punishment increases to up to 12 years imprisonment or a fine of ₱600,000 to ₱1 million, or both.

Government officials or employees found guilty will also face absolute perpetual disqualification from public office, in addition to the maximum penalties under the bill.

Exemptions are included for good faith uses, such as media reporting on matters of public interest.

“These interventions provide the government with the wherewithal to address emerging threats, ensure accountability in the use of Al technologies, and promote creativity and innovation without compromising personal rights and liberties, legitimate speech, journalism and news coverage, academic and educational research, documentary and historical piece and other similar works,” Escudero said.