Marcos says PH should maximize the use of AI
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. discussed the use of artificial intelligence, saying that the Philippines should maximize the use of artificial intelligence amid its rapid rise.
In his latest podcast, Marcos was interviewed by three college students, wherein they talked about AI use. He remarked on how "interesting" it is that information is readily available to everyone now.
“I wish I had ChatGPT when I was having to write essays, and it’s 2 in the morning hindi mo pa natatapos essay mo,” Marcos said.
The discussion then pivoted to the question of what regulations could be enacted concerning AI.
Marcos brought up his list of AI subjects—covering areas like education, infrastructure, and renewable energy—that he hoped to discuss at the ASEAN Summit last October, stressing that the potential topics were numerous.
“It does not end. The longer you want, the more time you spend on it, the longer that list will become because it's going to touch everything. And it's important for us to understand it,” he said.
“It's important for us to understand it (AI),” Marcos continued. “It's not so easy. May kasabihan 'yan, 'Legislation is always years behind technology.' And the reason is, generally, legislators do not immediately understand technology," he said, adding, "meron diyan medyo techie na nakakaintindi, pero karamihan hindi.”
Still, according to the President, the country should aim to take full advantage of AI capabilities.
“What's the best way for the Philippines to take full advantage, to maximize the use of AI?" the president said. "The other side of the equation is: What are the things na kailangan bantayan natin,” he added, listing fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
Marcos had earlier shared his plans for using AI in government operations, saying that waiting may cause the Philippines to fall behind in the worldwide push for digital transformation.
“You’re missing a chance if you wait. AI is going to come, parang alon ‘yan. Kahit anong gawin mo, mababasa ka,” Marcos told reporters after the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea in November.
“And if you don’t learn how to swim, ma-iiwanan ka talaga,” he continued, adding, “It’s such a powerful tool, and you must take advantage of it as quickly as possible.”
In the same month, Marcos talked about using AI in monitoring documents for infrastructure projects to combat corruption.
“Mayroon tayong nakita na bagong smart technology na ang ginagamit ay AI. 'Yung AI ang tinitingnan niya ay yung proseso ng kontrata at kapag nakita niya na hindi tama ang takbo ng proseso ng kontrata, mag-fla-flag yan,” he previously said.
“Gagamitin natin lahat ng paraan na nasa atin pati AI at smart technology na lalabas…para tingnan kung ano ba talaga ang standard, kung maganda ang pagkakaayos,” he added.
