WITH the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the operations of more establishments, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) backed the proposed legislation regulating the production and use of the new technology.
“We are always watchful to ensure that [artificial intelligence] will not be harmful to the health, safety and continuation of the livelihood of our workers,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said in a radio interview on Tuesday.
“However, we will not oppose the introduction of new ways to improve the [work] process and improve productivity,” he added.
New legislation
The labor chief made the pronouncement when asked about his position on House Bill (HB) No. 7396 or the Act Promoting the Development and Regulation of AI in the Philippines.
Among the salient provisions of the bill is the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA).
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert “Ace” Barbers said he
filed HB 7396 in response to reports of how AI can be used to spread misinformation and displace jobs.
Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. said they are now preparing DOLE’s position paper on HB 7396.
“DOLE will be supportive of legislations that promote efficiency and productivity but always in consideration of a balance to protect workers rights and ensure continuity of their employment, instead of being restrictive and simply regulatory,” Patriwirawan told BusinessMirror in an SMS.
Skills training
Laguesma said they are now conducting a study to determine the labor impact of AI, automation, and other disruptive technology from the so-called 4th Industrial Revolution.
Based on their initial observations, AI and automation are expected to cause job displacements in the labor-intensive industries such as the manufacturing sector, he said.
“But not all of the human resources will be replaced [by new technology] since workers still have their advantages,” Laguesma said.
In fact, he said, the introduction of AI and automation in business operations can also create new high-skill jobs in establishments.
DOLE will come out with new measures to upskill workers so they will qualify for the said new job opportunities, he added.
“We should level-up our skills and not have a negative perception of new technology. We should have the concept of life-long learning,” Laguesma said.