Marcos calls for enhanced defense vs tech-driven risks

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday called for enhanced defense against technology-driven risks, as he vowed to boost the country’s digital infrastructure and to build a connected nation “brick by brick, gigabyte by gigabyte” to create more opportunities.

In a speech during the opening of the Manila Tech Summit 2025 in Taguig, Marcos noted that progress comes with challenges and that “any powerful tool cuts both ways.”

The President cited the fraudulent schemes and scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), digital currencies and “syndicates that know no frontiers.”

“In this digital age, we must become more vigilant against the risks that come with it (AI),” Marcos said.

“And this is why we must also strengthen our defenses, manage risks, block malicious attempts before they harm our people,” he added.

Marcos said the government is implementing the Anti-Financial Account Summary Scamming Act and has formed an e-commerce bureau, which serves as a one-stop shop for complaints and compliance, through the Internet Transactions Act.

He also mentioned the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act, which was designed to shield consumers in the digital marketplace from fraud, scams and unsafe transactions and the suspension of in-app gambling access in mobile payment apps and websites.

The administration, he added, is aiming to reskill and upskill more Filipinos on emerging technologies through trainings for jobs in AI, cybersecurity, e-commerce and creative design.

Tech investments
In the same speech, Marcos emphasized the need to invest in technology to bridge the gap between rich and poor, and to allow more opportunities to reach every Filipino.

The President said while technology is “a bit overwhelming” and requires time and effort to learn, it should be considered as an investment from which one gains much more than it costs.

He noted that digital technology yields shorter queues and faster transactions; makes the paying of bills, renewing of licenses, accessing of government services and online registration of products easier and provides access to digital tools and larger markets.

Marcos pointed out that in 2024, more than half of payment transactions in the country were made digitally and that the digital economy, which has created 11.3 million jobs, expanded to P2.25 trillion or 8.5 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product.

“Now this is a good development, but there is much room for growth. We see the greater need to tap the endless possibilities of a truly digital Philippines. We are determined to seize that growth,” he said.

“On the part of the government, we will ensure that the infrastructure will be built and the policies will be strengthened so the country can adapt to the rapid developments in the world. Because the connected nation that we dream of will only come online if we all choose to build it brick by brick, gigabyte by gigabyte,” Marcos added.

He said the Philippines is investing in the National Fiber Backbone, which is expected to be completed by 2028. The project aims to provide 17 million Filipinos faster and more reliable internet access.

Marcos also cited the Philippine Identification System, which seeks to provide every citizen with a trusted digital National ID and make financial services more accessible, and the Free WiFi for All program, which was designed to give students and teachers access to digital tools.

“We envision a Philippines where every Filipino can reach their full potential and where new technologies open wider possibilities for all,” he said.

Source:The Philippine Star