Experts urge AI governance and labour safeguards ahead of SONA
Technology experts are calling on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement unified AI governance and worker protections before the SONA.
Demands for National AI Strategy
Industry specialists have issued a formal appeal to the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ahead of the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). The group is advocating for the immediate development of a cohesive national framework to manage artificial intelligence technologies.
The primary objective of this proposed strategy is to establish clear regulatory guidelines that balance technological advancement with public safety. Experts suggest that without a centralised approach, the rapid integration of AI could lead to fragmented oversight across different sectors of the economy.
Protecting the Workforce
A significant portion of the advocacy focuses on the potential impact of automation on the national labour market. As AI systems become increasingly capable of performing complex tasks, specialists warn of significant shifts in employment patterns.
The experts are requesting specific labour safeguards to mitigate the risks posed by sudden technological shifts. These recommendations include:
- The implementation of retraining programmes for workers in high-risk industries.
- Legislative frameworks to protect employees from displacement caused by automated systems.
- Guidelines ensuring ethical AI deployment in the workplace.
Economic and Ethical Considerations
The call for regulation arrives as the Philippines seeks to position itself as a competitive player in the global digital economy. Proponents of the new framework argue that robust governance will actually encourage investment by providing businesses with legal certainty and predictable operational standards.
Beyond economic stability, the ethical implications of AI remain a core concern for the technology community. Issues regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency must be addressed through formal policy to prevent unintended social consequences.
By addressing these matters during the upcoming SONA, the administration would signal its commitment to a controlled and beneficial digital transformation. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed broadly while the risks to the workforce and social fabric are minimised.
