PASAY CITY – The Senate Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Bam Aquino, launched a critical inquiry on Wednesday, February 18, to safeguard the Philippines' ₱2-trillion IT-BPM industry from the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and escalating cyber threats. 

With 1.9 million Filipino jobs potentially affected, the hearing on Senate Resolution No. 253 brought together industry leaders and policy experts to address a widening gap in digital safeguards. 

Lawmakers warned that despite the sector's record-breaking $40 billion revenue in 2025, the country’s global competitiveness remains hampered by uncoordinated cyber defense systems and the urgent need for an AI-ready workforce.

The high-stakes discussion focused on turning these technological challenges into growth opportunities by aligning national education and labor programs with emerging digital standards. 

Senator Aquino emphasized that the inquiry aims to craft "future-proof" legislation to ensure Filipino workers are not displaced by automation but are instead equipped to take on higher-value roles. 

By strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and institutional capacity, the committee seeks to reinforce the Philippines' position as a premier global services hub and ensures the IT-BPM industry remains a resilient pillar of the national economy through 2026 and beyond.

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