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| Screenshot from RTVM |
MANILA (PIA) — The Philippines is advancing ASEAN’s digital transformation agenda as economic ministers prepare to tackle common rules for digital trade, artificial intelligence and data protection ahead of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Manila.
Philippine ASEAN Economic Community Council core representative and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is among the country’s 19 priority economic deliverables during its 2026 chairship. “For businesses, particularly micro small and medium enterprises, this can help create a more predictable and trusted environment for selling, transacting, and expanding across ASEAN,” Gepty said during a press briefing on Friday, Sept. 18, ahead of the economic ministers’ meeting.
The Philippines’ push for a more connected digital economy, he said, supports the Marcos Jr. administration’s focus on strengthening economic competitiveness, expanding opportunities for businesses and promoting innovation through regional cooperation.
The agreement seeks to establish common regional rules covering cross-border e-commerce, paperless trading, electronic payments, trade facilitation, online consumer protection, data protection and privacy, and cooperation on AI and emerging technologies.
AI cooperation, responsible use
Gepty said ASEAN’s digital economy cooperation will include efforts to upskill and reskill workers and empower people to adopt artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
He said specific programs and projects will follow negotiations among ASEAN member states once DEFA becomes effective.
The official also clarified that AI cooperation will extend beyond workforce development.
“Governance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence is also included,” Gepty said, noting that ASEAN has already undertaken initiatives on responsible AI governance.
He said the region will continue working together on the issue.
Responding to questions about AI safety and security, Gepty said DEFA’s provisions on privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and online business are important to ensuring that digital technologies are adopted responsibly.
He emphasized the need to equip people with knowledge of both the benefits and risks of AI and other technologies.
Digital rules for businesses
Gepty said the agreement also covers electronic payments and e-invoicing, among other digital business rules.
These measures are intended to support a more predictable environment for businesses operating across the region.
The official said ASEAN’s economic agenda must translate policies into programs and projects that stakeholders can use.
“More than setting the vision, the policy direction, we have to work together to utilize these initiatives that we are doing,” he said.
The DEFA is one of the Philippines’ nine priority economic deliverables under the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ purview.
Gepty said negotiations on the agreement have already been concluded, its text has undergone legal scrubbing, and it is scheduled for signing in November.
The ministerial meetings will run from Sept. 19 to 22 in Manila, with discussions also covering trade, investment, energy security, resilient supply chains and sustainable development.
The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship is anchored on the theme “Navigating Our Future Together,” reflecting the region’s effort to strengthen cooperation and prepare for emerging economic challenges. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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