Senatorial candidate Atty. Leandro Verceles Jr. has committed to advocating for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle issues in the education sector and alleviate traffic congestion on the country’s major thoroughfares.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday, Verceles emphasized his commitment to providing world-class education for every Filipino, with a particular focus on out-of-school youth.
Verceles highlighted his role in championing Republic Act 8792, the E-Commerce Act, which he claimed contributed P2.2 trillion to the Philippine economy and generated 5 million direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos.
"That is a landmark legislation [E-Commerce Act] so medyo proud ako diyan," Verceles said.
"Dahil diyan siguro kaya ko na sa second phase, which is now Artificial Intelligence [na] magagamit natin lalo na dito sa education kasi nagpo-focus po ako sa hindi lang education – world class na pinakamahusay sa mundo na edukasyon para sa Pilipino, para sa estudyante, atsaka sa out of school youths," he added.
Leveraging AI for enhanced learning opportunities
The former lawmaker expressed his intention to advocate for an initiative where teachers would be virtually present on computers, aiming to shift the traditional 1:45 student-to-teacher ratio in public schools to a one is to one ratio.
He further noted that with this initiative, he believes it will significantly advance the learning progress of students.
Verceles acknowledged the ongoing issue faced by some students who lack access to gadgets or cannot afford the necessary technology for learning. To address this, he proposed providing each student with a durable device to use.
"Sa ngayon, we are trying to give 38 million na laptops sa mga estudyante at out of school youths. Atsaka ‘yung internet, libre ‘yan kasi mayroon na tayong starlink ‘yung kay Elon Musk," he explained.
In his proposed initiative, students would no longer be required to be online continuously, as they would have the option to download modules for offline use.
Implementing AI technology to ease traffic congestion
Meanwhile, in addressing traffic in Metro Manila, he believes in a demand and supply solution, emphasizing that the key is to change people’s behavior.
Verceles aims to push for the Traffic Reduction and Deterrence (TRAD) initiative, a system similar to fixed coding but variable, utilizing technology and credit loads to manage traffic effectively.
Ongoing rise in the cost of goods
"Isang problema lang diyan kaya tumataas at nadedelay ay dahil sa traffic. I can solve the traffic with the TRAD na ‘yon," said Verceles.
He reiterated that alleviating traffic congestion in the Metro would lead to faster delivery of market farm produce to urban areas like Metro Manila.
"Bakit ikaw?"
As he runs for the 2025 midterm elections, Verceles assured that he takes the time to thoroughly research and study his proposed projects and platforms.
Furthermore, he mentioned that he is fed up with what has been happening in the government since he first held a government position in 1992.
"Sawang-sawa na po ako sa nangyayari sa gobyerno natin. Dati pa ako bilang isang Congressman noong 1992 up to 2001, atsaka naging Gobernador ako from 2001 up to 2007. Umalis ako sa gobyerno, akala ko okay na ang Pilipinas pero wala pa ring nangyayari," he explained.
Verceles served in Congress as the Representative of Catanduanes' 2nd District and also held the position of Governor of Catanduanes.
