DOLE backs regulating AI in workplace

MANILA, Philippines — Despite its advantages, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace should be regulated, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“Regarding changes happening in workplaces, there really is the need for regulations because there is plus and minus in everything that is newly introduced,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in Filipino in a radio interview.

“That’s why it’s called ‘artificial intelligence.’ We know that if something is artificial there is danger, and there are things that need to be resolved. We shouldn’t stop looking deeper,” he added.

Laguesma was reacting to proposals from some legislators to regulate AI, which they claimed is threatening the jobs of Filipinos employed in business process outsourcing (BPOs) and manufacturing.

The labor chief said that while the DOLE does not intend to block any new technology that promotes productivity, it will not allow changes that can harm workers or disrupt business operations.

He admitted that the use of AI can lead to displacement of workers, particularly those employed in companies that are heavily reliant on new technology such as manufacturing and automation.

But he stressed that AI cannot totally replace human resources.

He said the DOLE is conducting a study on AI as part of overall government efforts to address possible displacement of workers due to AI.

Laguesma also said DOLE is now in the process of identifying emerging jobs as it prepares to undertake training for workers in the use of new technologies.

“We should prepare workers for emerging jobs. That’s why we continuously coordinate with companies using or planning to use AI,” he pointed out.

He said the emergence of new technologies cannot be stopped and what the government can do is equip workers with the required skills when use of AI becomes widespread.

“We should level up. We should not be always negative in dealing with new technology. We should always have this concept that education is a lifetime pursuit,” the DOLE chief pointed out.

He said DOLE is linking up with the private sector and the academe to identify the emerging jobs and prepare the youth with the required skills.

Meanwhile, Laguesma reported that over 27,000 jobseekers have registered and participated in the Independence Day job fairs mounted by the government across the country.

He observed that many of the jobseekers wanted to apply for jobs abroad.

However, most of the vacancies offered in the job fairs are local.