PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure to be on par with the world’s fast-expanding use of digital technology while urging Filipinos to be vigilant against online criminal activities.

​“In this digital age, we must become more vigilant against the risks that come with it,” Marcos said in his speech at the Manila Tech Summit 2025. “Fraudulent schemes and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated every day with the aid of artificial intelligence, with digital currencies, and with syndicates that know no frontiers.” ​

He also warned of the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, particularly concerning job displacement and privacy.

“Even as artificial intelligence offers breakthroughs, it brings threats of job displacement and the loss of privacy,” he added.

​Marcos pointed to online gambling as another growing problem that preys on people’s vulnerabilities.

He cited initial government measures to address the issue, such as suspending in-app gambling access in mobile payment apps and websites., This news data comes from:http://pmmf.yamato-syokunin.com

​“This is why we must also strengthen our defenses, manage risks, [and] block malicious attempts before they harm our people,” he said.

President Marcos commits to boosting PH digital infrastructure

The President cited several government interventions, including the enactment of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, the Internet Transactions Act, and the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act.

To address technological threats, he said the government is reskilling and upskilling more Filipinos for jobs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and creative industries.

​“All of these efforts place technological innovation at the center of our governance. We aim to provide a government where technology is optimized to improve service delivery, efficiency, and transparency,” Marcos said. “We envision a Philippines where every Filipino can reach their full potential and where new technologies open wider possibilities for all.” ​

The President noted that in 2024, half of the country’s payment transactions were digital, with the digital economy reaching a value of P2.25 trillion, or 8.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

This sector also generated over 11 million jobs.

​He attributed these accomplishments to the support of industry leaders, innovators, and thinkers who have helped build a “future-ready, inclusive, and resilient Philippine financial technology sector.” ​

Among the government’s key initiatives, he highlighted the ongoing construction of the National Fiber Backbone to deliver faster internet to 17 million Filipinos by 2028, the rollout of the Philippine Identification System for broader financial inclusion, and the expansion of the Free Wi-Fi for All and Bayanihan SIM Project to connect schools and remote areas.

​While recognizing these gains, Marcos said that there is still plenty of room for growth.

​“We see the greater need to tap the endless possibilities of a truly digital Philippines,” he said.

He also urged industry leaders and innovators to make the Philippines a “FinTech innovation hub and a key voice in shaping the global financial system.” ​

“Because the connected nation that we dream of will only come online if we all choose to build it brick by brick, gigabyte by gigabyte,” he said.

The Manila Tech Summit 2025 aims to position the country as a major force in the global fintech ecosystem.

The event was organized by FinTech Alliance.PH, the country’s largest digital industry association, representing over 130 companies responsible for more than 95 percent of digital retail transactions.