Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has urged global lawmakers to confront rising threats from artificial intelligence, calling it a critical front in the battle to preserve democracy. Speaking at the 29th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum in Madrid, Romualdez warned of “unseen battles” where the AI era fuels misinformation, cyberattacks, and political manipulation. He emphasized the urgency for coordinated legislative action to ensure AI serves society rather than destabilizing it. Highlighting a Philippine-led ASEAN resolution, he called for responsible AI development aligned with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan, encouraging innovation while protecting against abuse and disinformation.
Weaponized AI Demands Urgent Global Response
Romualdez warned that artificial intelligence is increasingly used to spread false news. Threaten political systems by shaping what people believe through deepfakes and other methods. Since cyber attacks and AI changes can harm society, it is crucial for democracies to join forces, he pointed out. The Philippines has strongly supported a new initiative within the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly to foster ethical work in AI innovation. For this measure, member states are required to develop local systems that stress responsible behavior, greater transparency and security for their people.
He also pushed for global frameworks to regulate digital platforms and reinforce media literacy. “Legislators must act as digital guardians, ensuring these technologies serve progress, not division,” Romualdez declared. With AI capabilities accelerating faster than governance models, he called on world parliaments to develop shared tools and protocols that address the evolving nature of online threats. As AI’s influence expands, the Philippine House Speaker believes collaboration, not isolation, will determine whether democracies thrive or falter. He emphasized the role of global forums in fostering consensus and building defenses against emerging risks.
From Intelligence Sharing to Legislative Action
Romualdez highlighted that addressing AI chaos is not just a security concern but a legislative imperative. He asked legislators to prepare strong digital policy plans to keep AI development moving forward. Parliamentarians have a vital job now, and we must make sure our rules meet these new issues, Kono pointed out. He recommended forming global standards for AI, focusing on what’s right and wrong, enforcing them across countries and finding ways to control AI used to spread propaganda.
Citing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan as a foundation, Romualdez advocated for building societal resilience through education and digital literacy. He warned that without informed citizens, even the strongest regulations would fall short. “We must prepare people to recognize and resist manipulation,” he said. He added that coordinated efforts should also address the use of AI in election interference, automated hate speech, and the erosion of trust in institutions.
Romualdez praised the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum for creating space where intelligence-sharing evolves into legislative momentum. “We are not just exchanging ideas; we’re aligning our democratic defences,” he noted. He expressed optimism that through such partnerships, nations could steer AI development toward transparency, security, and shared prosperity, balancing innovation with public accountability.
Steering AI Toward Shared Prosperity
Romualdez closed his address with a call for courage and collaboration. He challenged lawmakers to meet the AI era with foresight and unity, not fear. “Together, we can create a future where AI uplifts, not divides,” he said. For Romualdez, building that future means empowering citizens, reining in tech monopolies, and crafting laws that reflect human values in a machine-driven age. As AI reshapes the global order, he believes parliaments must become bulwarks of truth and equity. “Let us stand not only for our nations but for the principles that unite us as democracies,” he concluded.
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