President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 131 to implement a strategic AI Governance Framework and create the National Artificial Intelligence Council for responsible AI development and oversight.
In a major step towards advancing the Philippines’ technological landscape, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 131 on November 12, 2026. The order adopts the country’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework and establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Council (NAIC) to oversee its implementation.
The AI Governance Framework serves as the national strategic guide for the formulation of policies, coordination of regulations, institutional development, capacity-building, and other governance measures necessary to support and strengthen the Philippine AI ecosystem. This framework builds upon the National AI Strategy approved in May 2025 and endorsed by the National Innovation Council as the guiding policy for responsible and ethical AI development, deployment, and use.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro highlighted that the government recognizes AI as a tool to improve the livelihoods of Filipinos. The executive order aims to ensure AI technologies advance in ways that yield concrete benefits for workers, businesses, communities, and the whole country. It mandates that AI implementation adhere to responsible, safe, and ethical standards, coupled with sufficient safeguards to maintain public trust.
This development places the Philippines among countries proactively governing AI technologies to harmonize innovation with societal welfare and protection. The National Artificial Intelligence Council will play a pivotal role in coordinating AI-related policies and initiatives across government agencies and stakeholders.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1009522/marcos-signs-eo-adopting-ai-framework-creates-national-council/story/
