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Jose Rodel Clapano - The Philippine Star
June 19, 2025 | 12:00am
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa answers questions from the media during a press conference at the Senate in Pasay City on September 18, 2024.
STAR / Jesse Bustos
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald dela Rosa has recklessly abused his platform as a public official after spreading disinformation generated by artificial intelligence, the House of Representatives said yesterday.
Dela Rosa and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte recently shared on social media AI-generated content questioning the legitimacy of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“As officials of the country, we have the duty to advocate for truth. It is saddening that a public servant was the one creating disinformation, because they can steer public sentiment and influence people’s views,” House spokesperson Princess Abante said.
“The truth shall set us free. Not AI, not fake news,” she added.
Responding to online ridicule, Dela Rosa said that even if the video he shared was generated by AI, it was the message it conveyed that mattered to him.
The AI-generated video featured two fake male students saying they did not support the Vice President’s impeachment.
In reposting the video, Dela Rosa wrote: “At least children understand what’s happening. Listen up, yellows and communists!”
Following its probe of fake news and disinformation, the House tri-committee called for urgent legislation regulating AI-generated content and addressing the growing threat of digital deceit.
Members of the 20th Congress should decide if penalties and sanctions will be imposed against officials who “use fake news and AI-generated content to attack institutions and processes,” Abante said.
Critical thinking
Students should develop critical thinking amid the proliferation of AI-generated disinformation, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said yesterday.
Efforts are being made to integrate AI in schools, he said, noting that an AI research center has been established at the Department of Education.
The DepEd has tapped Khanmigo, an AI-powered teaching assistant for educators, he noted.
Teachers have the discretion to include AI in their modules, Angara said.
“You cannot teach AI if the learner does not know how to read. You should prioritize reading,” he maintained.
AI watchdog
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers yesterday sought the revival and passage of a measure creating a government “super body” that would regulate the use and development of AI.
Deepfakes, disinformation and other false narratives on the internet pose a danger to society and humanity, he said.
Barbers recalled filing a bill in March 2023 forming the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority, which would oversee the development and deployment of AI technologies.
“We should have a ‘watchdog’ to guard against unscrupulous people, like foreign propagandists, lobbyists, bandits or terrorist groups, that would take advantage of or use it for their selfish or criminal ends,” he added. — Bella Cariaso
