A Candid Chat on AI and the Future of Voice with Pocholo Gonzales

Mae Binauhan and Pocholo De Leon Gonzales

In one thought-provoking afternoon on DZRH’s Public Service Hour, journalist Mae Binauhan sat down with none other than the VoiceMaster of the Philippines, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales. Known for his vast experience in voice acting and his leadership in the AI voice industry, Gonzales took us on an eye-opening journey into the world of AI-generated voices, media evolution, and the ethical dilemmas that come with it.

From Radio Dramas to AI Voices: A Journey of Change

Gonzales, who started in radio at just 16 years old, reminisced about his early days in the industry. “I was part of radio dramas in DZRH with legends like Lola Sela and Tiya Deli,” he shared. It was a time when voices carried the weight of stories, emotions, and imagination. But times have changed, and technology has taken center stage.

Fast forward to 2025, AI technology is booming, and AI-generated voices are everywhere. Gonzales described how AI now replicates human speech with impressive accuracy, making it a valuable tool in media, advertising, and content creation. But with this advancement comes a wave of both excitement and fear—especially for voice artists and media professionals.

The Power of AI: A Tool for Good or Bad?

Gonzales likened AI to Jarvis from Iron Man—an incredible tool that depends on how we use it. “It’s like choosing between a typewriter and a laptop. You evolve with technology, or you get left behind,” he explained. AI voice technology uses deep learning and neural networks to mimic human speech, capturing nuances, intonations, and even emotions. But what does this mean for traditional voice actors?

According to Gonzales, AI is not here to replace people but to enhance efficiency. “It’s like when we moved from tape to CD, from CD to digital. Now, it’s AI.” He emphasized that professionals should embrace AI as a tool rather than resist it. “Voice talents can use AI to expand their work, not lose it. It’s all about adaptation.”

Ethical Concerns: The Deepfake Dilemma

The conversation took a serious turn when discussing ethical issues. Gonzales warned about the misuse of AI voice technology, particularly in fraud, misinformation, and deepfake scams. “We’ve seen AI-generated voices used for deception, especially in elections and media. That’s why education and awareness are crucial.”

He called on the government and educational institutions to integrate AI studies into curriculums. “The Philippines needs to keep up. We need to teach AI ethics early on.”

Filipinos in the AI Race: A Global Opportunity

Despite the concerns, Gonzales sees AI as an opportunity for Filipinos to lead in the industry. He has been working with global AI companies and believes that the country has the potential to be a frontrunner in AI development. “We need to train our people not just to use AI, but to create and innovate with it.”

As proof of AI’s growing presence, he introduced Chismosang Paos, an AI-generated faceless influencer that transforms negative gossip into positive storytelling. “Filipinos love gossip. Why not use AI to spread positivity?” he quipped.

Final Thoughts: AI is a Tool, Not an Enemy

As the interview wrapped up, Gonzales left the audience with a powerful reminder: “AI is not our enemy. It’s a tool. What matters is how we use it.”

For voice artists, media professionals, and content creators, the message was clear—embrace change, use AI responsibly, and see it as an ally in storytelling rather than a threat.

And with that, the conversation ended, but the debate over AI voice technology is far from over. One thing’s for sure: the future is here, and it’s speaking in more voices than ever before.