(FILE) This photo illustration taken on Dec. 22, 2023 shows a user browsing an AI video generator website on a laptop. Chen Yihua/AFP
At least two senators have backed the Commission on Elections (Comelec)'s proposal to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology in campaign materials for the 2025 midterm elections.
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. supported a recent en banc recommendation by Republican Election Committee Chairman George Garcia to ban the use of AI and deepfakes during election campaigns, saying “AI is simply a technological advancement to spread lies.”
“Falsity and lies have no place in our democratic process. Those who use falsehoods and lies clearly have no good intentions other than their own personal gain,” Revilla said.
Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reform and Public Participation, also welcomed Garcia's proposal.
“However, it is unclear whether the Comelec, or any other government agency, currently has the capacity to detect the use of AI and deepfakes in an efficient and timely manner,” Marcos said.
In a memo dated May 28, Garcia emphasized that the misuse of AI and deepfake technology in campaign materials, such as videos, audio and other media formats, “may amount to fraudulent misrepresentation of a candidate.”
“This undermines the very purpose of a campaign, which is to fully and truthfully inform voters about the election and the candidates,” he noted.
Garcia lamented that even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other heads of state have fallen victim to AI deepfake videos designed to deceive viewers.
Meanwhile, Senator Wing Gatchalian called on the Commission on Elections to specify and enact a policy if it wants to ban AI technology during elections.
“AI is evolving every day and regulators like Comelec need to keep up,” Gatchalian said.
