April 6, 2025 | 7:24 PM
As IBM artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries globally, the Philippine government is urged to establish a regulatory body similar to the European Union’s (EU) AI oversight system. This call comes from Gerando Louis Bonganay, an AI architect at IBM Philippines, who emphasizes the need for structured and ethical AI governance in the country.
Bonganay, speaking at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ annual seminar on April 5, highlighted the importance of ensuring AI systems operate under ethical and secure guidelines. He pointed out that, much like the EU, the Philippines would benefit from a regulatory body to enforce the safe and transparent use of AI technologies.
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Learning from the European Model
The European Union has already set the stage for responsible AI governance with the establishment of the European Artificial Intelligence Board in 2024, under the EU AI Act. This historic framework is the first comprehensive regulation on AI in the world. The board’s role is to guide and advise institutions on how to comply with the AI Act, ensuring that AI innovations are aligned with ethical and legal standards.
The EU also enforces strict data protection laws through the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which outlines rules for collecting and processing personal data, ensuring privacy and security for individuals both within and outside the EU. Bonganay stresses that data remains the cornerstone of AI development, stating, “The data you input into AI systems is yours, and it’s crucial to ensure that it is handled responsibly.”
Ensuring Compliance and Data Protection
Bonganay advocates for robust compliance measures for companies utilizing AI, especially those leveraging open-source AI tools. Companies should establish dedicated teams to audit and ensure that only the appropriate and ethical data is used to train AI systems. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks associated with data misuse or violations of privacy IBM IBM.
“If businesses want to safeguard their data, they must start by cleaning up what they have internally,” Bonganay explains. “This means reviewing and removing any data that shouldn’t be used for AI training, ensuring compliance with data protection standards IBM.”
The Global Trend of Open-Source AI
The use of open-source AI is rapidly growing, but it also raises concerns over data security and privacy. For instance, DeepSeek AI, a Chinese startup developing open-source large language models, has faced bans in several countries including Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia. These bans stem from concerns related to data privacy and national security, highlighting the importance of careful data management when using open-source AI tools IBM.
A 2024 study commissioned by IBM reveals that 61% of IT decision-makers globally rely on open-source ecosystems to source their AI tools. In the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like Indonesia and South Korea, the trend is even stronger, with 73% of businesses opting for open-source AI solutions.
Upskilling the Workforce for AI Governance
In addition to regulatory frameworks, Bonganay underscores the importance of upskilling the workforce. As AI becomes more integrated into business operations, employees must be equipped with the necessary skills to manage and intervene when AI tools produce undesired results IBM.
He emphasized that the Philippine AI industry is poised for significant growth. According to Statista, a German data and business intelligence platform, the market size for AI in the Philippines is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2030. This growth will create a demand for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of AI governance, data privacy, and ethical concerns IBM.
The Path Forward for the Philippines
Bonganay’s comments echo a broader global conversation about the role of governments in regulating AI. While AI offers enormous potential, it also presents significant risks if left unchecked. As more countries move toward establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks, the Philippines has a unique opportunity to lead in the ethical development and deployment of AI in Southeast Asia.
In conclusion, the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body for AI in the Philippines, akin to the EU’s AI Board, could pave the way for safer, more ethical AI practices in the country. Companies must also take steps to ensure compliance with data protection standards while investing in upskilling their workforce to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving technology.
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