Philippines: Introduced Protection of Labor Against Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Act (HB 9448)

On 7 November 2023, the Protection of Labor Against Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Act (HB9448) was introduced into the Philippine House of Representatives. The Act aims to protect the workforce by regulating the use of AI therein and preserving employment opportunities for the people. The Act would require employers to regulate the use of AI in their operational processes through an AI Governance Policy. The Act would specifically prohibit the sole use of AI in hiring decisions or the replacement of human workers with AI. The Act would further require employers to report any planned implementations of AI systems that could lead to job loss, including an impact assessment and mitigation measures. In the case of AI-driven employee evaluations, the employer would be obliged to ensure fairness, non-discrimination, and compliance with applicable laws, while the employer still has the right to refuse this. The Act would further define the penalties for any violations of the Act. The Act would enter into force fifteen days after its publication in at least two newspapers.