According to BornCity, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the implementing order Executive Order 131 on 12 November 2026. It sets out a national framework for governing artificial intelligence and at the same time establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Council (NAIC). According to the presidential press secretary, Claire Castro, the aim is uniform strategic direction and binding control structures for the development and use of AI.
Background
According to the report, the NAIC is an inter-agency body intended to facilitate, coordinate and monitor implementation of the AI governance framework. The Executive Secretary chairs it, and the head of the development agency DEPDev serves as vice chair. Representatives are to include the ministries for Science and Technology (DOST), Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Trade and Industry (DTI), Finance (DOF), Education (DepEd), Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Budget and Management (DBM). The heads of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are also to join. The president is to appoint a private-sector representative for a three-year term, renewable once.
According to BornCity, the framework rests on four pillars: ethical principles, requirements for standards and quality assurance, a risk-based toolkit for regulatory measures, and the provision of enabling resources. The order took effect on publication and is to be reviewed and adjusted at least every two years.
Reporting obligations
For oversight, a formal reporting channel is provided: the NAIC reports to the president via DEPDev within 30 days after the end of each quarter. The Department of Information and Communications Technology is setting up a digital control and reporting system to which the participating agencies must submit data quarterly.
Employment and skills
According to the report, the council is also to develop recommendations for protective measures for workers and learners. A working group on capacity building addresses AI and digital skills, retraining programmes and research scholarships in artificial intelligence.
Assessment
At the time of announcement, according to BornCity, key details were still open: the exact composition, the concrete powers of the body, the detailed implementation timeline and specific protective mechanisms. Whether and how the NAIC closes these gaps remains to be seen. For German companies interested in the Philippine market, the framework could become relevant once concrete obligations and deadlines are published.
Sources
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