In a keynote address at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2026, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go of the Philippines’ Department of Finance called for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption supported by reliable power, predictable policies and safeguards. He highlighted two newly finalized ASEAN initiatives on digital trade and semiconductor supply chains. ASEAN’s digital economy is valued at around USD 300 billion and is projected to approach USD 1 trillion by 2030.
The Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap were finalized on Nov. 14, 2026, under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship. DEFA establishes common rules for digital trade and data flows across borders, alongside digital payments and consumer protection. The roadmap provides a regional framework for semiconductor supply chains, supporting the expansion of Philippine capabilities beyond assembly, testing and packaging into integrated circuit design, advanced packaging and high performance computing.
The priorities for digital integration are reliable, clean power for AI infrastructure, predictable policies to attract investment and fiscal discipline to sustain investor confidence. The Philippine chairship is prioritizing AI adoption, skills development and wider use among micro, small and medium enterprises. Responsible AI should be fair, helpful and transparent, with a human accountable for its use. Safeguards should be accompanied by stronger capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and establish trusted access arrangements sought by industry.