DEBATE POSITION PAPER
Group 3 – AI Side
Topic: “Who Contributes More to the Philippine Economy — AI or Humans?”
INTRODUCTION
Let’s face it — when we hear the word Artificial Intelligence, many of us imagine robots
taking jobs or Silicon Valley tech empires. But here’s the truth: AI isn’t some far-off idea. It’s
here. It’s real. And it has the power to transform the Philippine economy for the better.
AI isn’t meant to replace humans — it’s meant to empower them. AI can help Filipino
farmers predict weather, teachers personalize education, doctors diagnose diseases faster,
and entrepreneurs reach global markets. In short, AI turns potential into productivity.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s an opportunity we cannot afford to ignore.
ARGUMENT 1: AI Amplifies Human Intelligence and Productivity
AI is not an alien force — it is an extension of human thought. Unlike people, it can process
millions of data points in seconds, tirelessly, and without burnout.
In the Philippines:
- AI helps farmers make data-driven decisions on when to plant and harvest.
- It aids engineers in simulating infrastructure for earthquake resilience.
- It allows call center agents to automate repetitive queries, letting them focus on complex
and high-paying tasks.
AI is not replacing humans. It’s leveling up the way we work.
ARGUMENT 2: AI Maximizes Tax Revenue and Reduces Corruption
AI is a tool for good governance.
- In India, AI helped recover over ₹58,000 crores (₱39 billion) in tax fraud in one year
(Economic Times, 2022).
- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has already begun testing AI
systems to detect tax evasion.
A government with smarter systems means more money for schools, hospitals, and roads —
without raising taxes.
ARGUMENT 3: AI Strengthens the Philippines in the Global Economy
According to UNCTAD (2023), AI-driven economies dominate over 80% of global digital
trade.
With AI:
- Local SMEs can optimize supply chains and go global.
- Filipino developers can compete with Silicon Valley.
- Freelancers can offer AI-enhanced services like data analytics and automation.
In the digital age, AI is the passport to global competitiveness.
ARGUMENT 4: AI Solves Labor Shortages and Improves Critical Services
The Philippines is already facing:
- A shortage of 90,000 nurses (DOH, 2023)
- An aging population (PSA: 2045 projections)
AI can:
- Support telehealth and diagnostics in rural areas
- Fill staffing gaps in elderly care and logistics
- Automate routine services in BPO and education
AI isn’t replacing workers — it’s rescuing critical sectors.
ARGUMENT 5: AI Enhances National Security and Public Safety
AI is already used in:
- Cybercrime detection by the PNP
- Predictive policing and crime analytics
- Disaster management and real-time weather mapping
In Singapore, AI helped reduce burglary rates by 30% (2018–2022). With AI, the Philippines
can save lives, property, and billions in disaster losses.
ARGUMENT 6: AI Promotes Inclusive Growth and Innovation
AI isn’t just for big tech. It’s for every Filipino.
- A sari-sari store owner can use AI to forecast demand.
- A student in Mindanao can learn via AI-powered tutoring bots.
- A small logistics firm can cut costs with AI delivery planning.
AI helps bridge the urban-rural divide — it’s the great equalizer.
REBUTTALS TO COMMON HUMAN-ONLY ARGUMENTS
“Humans are better because they are ethical and emotional.”
→ Empathy is not always an economic advantage. Emotional bias can lead to corruption and
favoritism. AI applies consistent, logic-based frameworks.
“Humans are creative — AI just copies.”
→ AI has created music, poetry, art, and even new medicines. It synthesizes massive data in
innovative ways.
“Humans are better because we invented AI.”
→ Exactly. That’s the point. AI is a reflection of human brilliance — not a threat.
“AI destroys jobs.”
→ AI doesn’t take away job it changes them. It removes boring and low-paying work, so
Filipinos can focus on better, higher-paying jobs. In call centers, AI does simple tasks so
workers get promoted to do more complex work.
“The economy needs people, not machines.”
“Only humans drive the economy.”
→ That used to be true but now, AI is a key driver of growth. AI boosts sales, reduces costs,
improves services, and helps small businesses grow. Without AI, many Filipino companies
would fall behind.
PHILOSOPHICAL ANGLE: What Is the Goal of the Economy?
The goal of an economy is not to protect old jobs — it’s to create prosperity.
AI frees humans from repetitive labor and opens space for creative, meaningful work. It
doesn’t reduce human dignity — it removes drudgery.
SOUND BITES FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
- “AI doesn’t take jobs — it takes tasks. The job evolves, not disappears.”
- “Humans are great. Humans with AI? Unstoppable.”
- “AI is not a replacement — it’s a revolution of potential.”
- “We don’t fear AI. We lead it. We train it. We shape it.”
REAL FILIPINO AI SUCCESS STORIES
- Senti AI (Metro Manila): Automates logistics for SMEs, reducing costs by 40%
- Edukasyon.ph: Uses AI chatbots to guide students across rural provinces
- BPO Firms (2023): Integrated AI to boost agent productivity and salaries
These aren’t dreams these are Filipino realities.
CLOSING STATEMENT
Let us not wait to be left behind.
AI is not here to replace people it’s here to make Filipinos stronger, smarter, and more
successful. In a world driven by data, speed, and innovation, AI is the key to a better, more
competitive Philippine economy.
We can fear the future or we can lead it.
We choose to lead.
With AI in our hands and Filipinos at the helm.
