Manila: The Private Sector Advisory Council's Digital Infrastructure Sector (PSAC-Digital Infra) has urged the adoption of pre-authorized emergency cybersecurity protocols that would allow operators of critical infrastructure to respond immediately to major cyberattacks and disasters without waiting for government clearance.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recommendation was presented during the council's 10th meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malaca±ang. Business leaders laid out proposals to strengthen the country's cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, digital infrastructure, and connectivity.
PSAC-Digital Infra highlighted that most of the country's critical information infrastructure is privately owned and operated, making closer government-private sector coordination crucial in responding to evolving cyber threats. Central to the proposal is the establishment of pre-authorized emergency protocols that would enable operators to take immediate action during large-scale cyber incidents or disasters, instead of seeking case-by-case government approval.
The council also reiterated its support for the proposed Cybersecurity Act, which is undergoing committee consolidation in the House of Representatives. They recommended amendments to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, to better address emerging cyber threats while maintaining the competitiveness of the Philippine information technology and business process management sector.
On artificial intelligence, the council proposed using AI to strengthen cybersecurity through threat detection, incident response, fraud prevention, and continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure, while ensuring AI systems themselves remain secure. PSAC also recommended classifying AI models, training datasets, and the data centers hosting them as part of the country's critical information infrastructure.
'In AI, standing still is falling behind. It is moving so fast that governance, trust, and capability-building must evolve just as quickly,' PSAC-Digital Infrastructure lead and MDI Group Holdings Inc. chairperson Myla Villanueva said.
The council likewise endorsed the proposed 'One Canal Policy,' which seeks to establish a shared conduit system for fiber-optic and utility infrastructure along national roads to reduce costs, minimize repeated road excavations, and streamline permitting.
To improve digital inclusion, PSAC urged the government to prioritize connecting rural health units and state universities and colleges to the National Fiber Backbone. They believe this move would expand telemedicine services, improve research capabilities, and make broadband deployment more viable in underserved communities.
Converge ICT Solutions chief executive officer Dennis Anthony Uy also presented a consortium initiative involving Converge, Globe, and PLDT to build a more resilient national submarine cable network to strengthen connectivity and support the country's long-term digital economy and AI ambitions.
