Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla yesterday said there is a need for Congress to address child sexual exploitation materials generated through the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, by unscrupulous groups.

"We should ask Congress to look into this matter of AI use and the kind of offenses that will be charged against the people who use AI to achieve their desired effect," Remulla said in a media briefing at the Department of Justice.

He added: "I think it is very important and urgent for us to talk to Congress about legal reform in this regard."

He said they can battle those involved in AI because they can be detected.

Council for the Welfare of Children Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales has warned that the use of AI to produce child sexual abuse or exploitation materials has begun to spread worldwide.

Tapales said AI sexploitation already exists in other countries, and it is only a matter of time before it enters the Philippines, according to information from one telecommunications company.

"So, we have to be prepared," Tapales said.

He noted, "It is extremely difficult to distinguish between AI and pictures generated from real photographs of children."

Tapales said the existing laws against CSAEM and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children could hold liable those involved in the production, distribution, and use of AI-generated materials.