Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) member-parliaments must do what they can to prevent terrorists and violent extremist groups from tapping into artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III made this call in his keynote address during the opening of a parliamentary training course on legislative and policy measures to address the use of AI and new technologies in terrorism and violent extremism.

“This theme reflects our conviction that parliaments are not merely legislative chambers, but guardians of peace, engines of prosperity, and champions of the people,” Dy said.

The Isabela 6th district congressman has noted that AI has become an integral part of daily life, enabling governments to deliver services more efficiently, economies to grow, and communities to connect more closely.

“In our case, we have begun to take steps to utilize technology to make legislative processes more efficient and transparent as part of our efforts to better serve our constituents,” he said.

The training course is being held under the theme “Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous, and People-Centered ASEAN,” with the Philippine House of Representatives holding the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

At the same time, Dy said global experience has shown that new technologies can be misused, as he cited cases where extremist groups have exploited social media, deepfake content, encrypted platforms, and AI-driven tools.

“These are not distant possibilities. They are real cases already documented around the world,” the Speaker pointed out.

Dy said the Philippines has firsthand experience with the misuse of digital platforms, particularly in spreading disinformation, sowing fear, and undermining trust in public institutions during elections and emergencies.

“We know these are threats we can no longer ignore,” Dy said. He pointed to law enforcement action, legislative oversight, and stronger digital governance as part of the country’s response.

Dy shared that in Philippine Congress, the Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Bill had been included in the priority legislative agenda. He vowed the measure's passage in the current 20th Congress.

The House chief stressed that security measures must go hand-in-hand with safeguards that protect rights and build public trust.

“Public trust is built not only by preventing harm, but by ensuring that laws are fair, transparent, and accountable,” Dy said.

He also called for sustained cooperation among ASEAN parliaments, as he claimed that terrorism and violent extremism do not respect national borders.

“To confront them decisively, sustained cooperation among ASEAN member parliaments is essential, so that our laws, oversight, and shared standards move forward together,” he said.

Dy said the training course would help lawmakers explore responsible AI governance, legal frameworks and oversight tools, while strengthening cooperation within ASEAN and beyond.