Philippines: Artificial Intelligence Regulation Act (AIRA/SBN-25) including artificial intelligence authority governance was introduced to Senate

On 2 July 2025, the Artificial Intelligence Regulation Act (AIRA/SBN-25), which includes artificial intelligence authority governance provisions, was introduced to the Senate. AIRA creates a regulatory regime for the development and use of AI, including artificial general intelligence (AGI), artificial superintelligence (ASI), and AI foundation models, and applies to all AI developers and deployers in the Philippines. Section 5 of the Act establishes the National AI Commission (NAIC) as an agency attached to the Department of Science and Technology. NAIC would have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to AI, with the duty to maintain a national AI registry, issue AI guidelines, implement a risk-based regulatory framework, create and manage a complaints system on AI, and oversee enforcement. Further, under section 15, NAIC would be required to establish an AI Ethics Review Board, which would issue implementing guidelines, sanctions for non-compliance, and review risks related to AI applications. Section 18 would give NAIC additional powers in relation to employment and labour protection, which may include requiring employers intending to integrate AI in ways that could affect the labour rights of employees to submit advance notification and impact assessments. Finally, section 20 specifies AIRA's enforcement regime, outlining prohibited practices, which include failure to register, the use of AI systems to commit crimes, violations of AIRA safeguards, failure to disclose or misrepresentation of AI-generated content, negligent operation of AI systems, and the use of AI to manipulate public opinion. Sanctions include mandatory compliance training, license suspension, monetary penalties, and imprisonment.