An AI-powered government: Our ‘Hail Mary’ against corruption

We are on the brink of a profound crisis. I expected a powerful response during the “Trillion Peso March,” but it turned out to be underwhelming—much like the “People Power” protests of the mid-80s. Forty years later, we still have not realized the promises of that demonstration.

A Mega Manila survey showed that 77 percent believe there is more corruption now than three years ago, but a recent World Values Survey (see “Filipinos more accepting of bribery than most of Asia—survey,” 9/24/25) found that only 30.6 percent of Filipinos outright rejected bribery. In comparison, Indonesia had 70.4 percent, Thailand 69.9 percent, Japan 81 percent, and Singapore 81.7 percent. Our politicians are well aware of this situation, which contributes to a culture of impunity.

Transitioning to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered governance is vital for countries struggling to provide effective leadership that prioritizes economic development, social cohesion, public trust, and low corruption.

I am not implying that this transition will be simple, nor do I believe that the Philippines will lead this unprecedented shift alone. I envision a scenario in which many advanced nations adopt AI governance initially for its efficiency. The old guard and their entrenched dynasties, remnants of a corrupt past, will resist this change, but the momentum of this significant transformation will eventually overpower them.

The younger members of government (Gen Z and beyond) will spearhead a constitutional overhaul that not only reflects the will of the people but also incorporates technological advancements into future decision-making. This transformation will aim to maintain order and security, manage the economy, create laws, and conduct foreign affairs.

The initial version of an AI-driven government will likely be a hybrid model while technocrats develop its cyber capabilities. They will input data in line with globally accepted principles of good governance, such as those in Singapore or Denmark. An autonomous AI could then be programmed with insights from the best contributions of global leaders, aligning with national goals.

I once considered this idea absurd, a mere idle fantasy. However, I’ve come to recognize that AI, though a relatively new application of cyber technology, carries incredible transformative potential. When citizens reach their limits of tolerance and societal values continue to decline, we may find ourselves in need of a Hail Mary—a desperate attempt to break the stalemate. Unlike in football, this Hail Mary could lead to actual success.

I now view this as the wave of the future. Governments will likely implement comprehensive constitutional amendments that pave the way for AI, potentially leading to an autonomous entity that offers a benevolent, effective, and corruption-free administration. Eventually, dynasty politics, cronyism, and autocracy may fade away.

We might even imagine an AI-generated composite of a futuristic president—a blend of visionary leaders like Lee Kuan Yew, Franklin Roosevelt, Angela Merkel, Winston Churchill, and Ramon Magsaysay. This concept elevates the idea of “the sky’s the limit” to an entirely new level.

While we may not live to witness this future’s culmination, it is no longer a far-fetched, foolish idea. It starkly contrasts with the current kleptocrats we endure—pathetic, greedy, phony mongrels who still try to keep their hands in the cookie jar.