House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III called on ASEAN member parliaments to pursue responsible governance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to prevent their misuse by terrorist and violent extremist groups.

Dy made the appeal in his keynote address at the opening of a parliamentary training course focused on legislative and policy measures to address the use of AI and new technologies in terrorism and violent extremism.

“This theme reflects our conviction that parliaments are not merely legislative chambers, but guardians of peace, engines of prosperity, and champions of the people,” Dy said.

The Isabela lawmaker noted that AI has become an integral part of daily life, helping governments deliver services more efficiently, supporting economic growth, and strengthening community connections.

“In our case, we have begun to take steps to utilize technology to make legislative processes more efficient and transparent as part of our efforts to better serve our constituents,” he said.

However, Dy warned that global experience has shown how new technologies can be misused, citing instances where extremist groups exploited social media, deepfake content, encrypted platforms, and AI-driven tools.

“These are not distant possibilities. They are real cases already documented around the world,” he said.

Dy added that the Philippines has firsthand experience with the misuse of digital platforms, particularly in spreading disinformation, sowing fear, and undermining trust in public institutions during elections and emergencies.

“We know these are threats we can no longer ignore,” he said, pointing to law enforcement action, legislative oversight, and stronger digital governance as part of the country’s response.

The Speaker disclosed that the proposed Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Bill has been included in the priority legislative agenda and vowed its passage during the 20th Congress.

He stressed that security measures must be balanced with protections for fundamental rights.

“Public trust is built not only by preventing harm, but by ensuring that laws are fair, transparent, and accountable,” Dy said.

Dy also underscored the need for sustained cooperation among ASEAN parliaments, noting that terrorism and violent extremism transcend national borders.

“To confront them decisively, sustained cooperation among ASEAN member parliaments is essential, so that our laws, oversight, and shared standards move forward together,” he said.

The training course is being held under the theme “Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous, and People-Centered ASEAN,” with the Philippine House of Representatives currently holding the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

“Terrorism and violent extremism do not stop at borders. Our resolve should not stop there either,” Dy said.