Marcos signs EO adopting AI governance framework, creating nat’l council

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 131, adopting the artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework and creating the National AI Council, Palace press officer Claire Castro announced on Saturday.

Signed on Nov. 12, the order seeks to establish a unified direction and clear governance framework for the use and development of AI in the country.

READ: Marcos urges Asean businesses to help MSMEs adopt AI

Article continues after this advertisement

“Sa pamamagitan ng kautusan na ito ng pangulo, binibigyang kahalagahan nito ang AI upang mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino hindi lamang para isulong ang teknolohiya,” said Castro at a briefing at the International Media Center in Pasay City.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

(Through this executive order, the president recognizes the importance of AI in improving the lives of Filipinos, not just in advancing technology.)

“Layunin nitong tiyakin na ang AI ay maipapatupad nang responsable, ligtas, ethical, at may sapat na proteksyon upang mapanatili ang tiwala ng publiko,” she added.

(Its goal is to ensure that AI is implemented responsibly, safely, and ethically, with adequate safeguards to maintain public trust.)

Castro said the order seeks to ensure that AI development delivers concrete benefits to workers, businesses, communities, and the entire country.

Article continues after this advertisement

A copy of EO No. 131 has yet to be posted on the Official Gazette website.

In a video message delivered earlier at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business and Investment Summit 2026, Marcos called on businesses across Southeast Asia to make AI tools more affordable and accessible to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Article continues after this advertisement

He stressed that MSMEs must also be equipped with technology to compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

“For MSMEs, we are advancing an approach that brings AI adoption together with training and practical support,” the president said.

“Our aim is to help entrepreneurs spend less time on repetitive tasks, make better use of their resources, and reach more customers,” Marcos added.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

He said the Philippines was making the responsible use of AI a priority of its development agenda. /mr