Lawmaker backs ban on use of AI in poll campaigns

MANILA – Senator Ramon "Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday backed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over its proposal to disallow the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming campaign for the 2025 midterm elections.

“AI is just a technological advancement to spread lies. Falsehoods and lies should have no place in our democratic processes," Revilla said in a Viber message to reporters.

"Malinaw na ang gagamit niyan ay walang magandang intensyon kundi pansariling interes lamang (It is clear that those who will use that has no good intentions, but just for personal interest)," he said.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia on Wednesday said he will recommend to the commission en banc to ban the use of AI, as well as deepfakes, in poll campaigns.

“The abuse of this technology in campaign materials, such as videos, audios or other media forms, may amount to fraudulent misrepresentation of candidates. This defeats the very purpose of a campaign, which is to fully and truthfully inform the voters about the elections and the candidates,” Garcia said in his letter to the Comelec en banc.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged Comelec to specify and lay down the policies if it wants to ban the use of AI during elections.

"AI is evolving every day, and a regulator such as Comelec needs to be fast," Gatchalian said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay briefing. (PNA)