The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to release a discussion paper by the end of March outlining guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the initiative aims to promote ethical AI integration that safeguards job security, supports workforce development, and upholds human accountability in decision-making processes.
DOLE earlier gathered representatives from government agencies, industry leaders, labor groups, and academic institutions to discuss fair employment practices, re-skilling programs, and policy frameworks in a two-day consultation in Clark, Pampanga for AI adoption that protect workers’ rights while fostering innovation.
“AI must be introduced into the workplace in a way that supports and engages workers. Many employers acknowledge that AI can drive efficiency and innovation but emphasize that its use must be accompanied by strategic workforce planning, particularly in reskilling and job transition support,” Laguesma said.
DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. underscored the need for labor policies that balance worker protection with the capacity of businesses to harness AI, stressing that technology should empower—not replace—the workforce.
Key discussions focused on governance frameworks, data privacy safeguards, continuous training, and worker participation. Sectoral insights highlighted AI’s impact on industries such as IT-BPM, finance, and manufacturing, and the importance of inclusive policies in navigating the transition.
DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres said the forthcoming paper reflects a shared commitment to ensure the equitable distribution of AI’s benefits through ethical governance, calling on all sectors to contribute to shaping regulations for a future-ready workforce.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also expressed support for DOLE’s initiative and pledged to promote fair and responsible AI use in Philippine workplaces.
The consultation supports the development of a proposed Labor Advisory on the “Future Workforce in an AI Workplace,” which will guide stakeholders on ethical AI integration, upskilling initiatives, and worker protection mechanisms.
This effort aligns with Republic Act No. 11927, or the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, under which DOLE leads initiatives to enhance digital skills and workforce readiness in coordination with DICT and other agencies.