Stratbase: PH Urged to Bolster Cybersecurity, AI Governance Amid Attacks

MANILA, Philippines — The Stratbase Institute, a local think tank, has urged the Philippine government to bolster its cybersecurity defenses in response to escalating cyberattacks. The institute emphasized the necessity for concerned agencies to coordinate effectively for the proper implementation of the country's inaugural artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) recently announced its intention to release the AI governance framework this September, following the presentation of its draft. Stratbase highlighted that in the face of growing cyber threats, a substantial strengthening of cybersecurity measures is a pressing need to safeguard the nation's digital infrastructure and sensitive information. Furthermore, with the rapid advancement of AI technology, the institute believes that establishing legal frameworks and regulations to ensure ethical and secure usage is crucial for maintaining global competitiveness. In recent years, the Philippines has been actively pursuing digital transformation, leading to increased reliance on online services and digital infrastructure. Cyberattacks in such a context can have severe repercussions not only on economic activities but also on the daily lives of citizens. The timely and effective implementation of the AI governance framework is considered a significant step towards mitigating these risks and supporting the robust development of the Philippines' digital economy.