Regulation of AI in the workplace considered in the Philippines

While acknowledging the advantages AI can potentially bring, the Philippines’ Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has called for regulations governing the use of AI in the workplace.

Labour Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said, “Regarding changes happening in workplaces, there really is the need for regulations because there is plus and minus in everything that is newly introduced. That’s why it’s called ‘artificial intelligence’. We know that if something is artificial, there is danger, and there are things that need to be resolved.”

Laguesma was responding to proposals from legislators who called for the regulation of AI, citing concerns over the impact on employees in business process outsourcing and manufacturing. While DOLE does not intend to hinder technological advancements that enhance productivity, Laguesma emphasised that any changes must not harm employees or disrupt business operations.

Leguesma also acknowledged that the use of AI can result in job displacement, particularly for employees in industries heavily reliant on new technology, such as manufacturing and automation. However, he emphasised that AI cannot completely replace human resources.

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To address the potential displacement of employees due to AI, DOLE is currently conducting a study to identify emerging jobs to provide appropriate training for employees in the use of new technologies, reported The Philippine Star.

“We should not be always negative in dealing with new technology. We should always have this concept that education is a lifetime pursuit,” Leguesma said.