Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito on Monday announced that he has introduced a measure seeking to curb the rise of online hate and harassment, and protect vulnerable internet users, particularly the youth.
Filed as Senate Bill No. 1474 or the proposed Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Act, the legislation also carries the name “Emman Atienza Bill,” in memory of the late daughter of television host Kim Atienza, who reportedly suffered from cyberbullying.
“While social media serves as a platform to advocate for truth, it has also given room for ruining reputations, spreading fake news, rumors, false accusations, and violence,” Ejercito said.
“In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt,” he added.
The senator said the measure aims to confront the growing prevalence of digital abuse, misinformation, and defamatory content that has intensified across social media platforms.
He warned that the ease of posting online has fostered a culture of hostility and carelessness that can inflict lasting harm on reputations and mental health.
“With the primary objective to protect individuals from online harassment, this bill seeks to strengthen the implementation of laws that deter cyberbullying and online hate,” Ejercito explained.
With more than 86 million social media users spending an average of 10 hours online daily, Ejercito said the Philippines remains among the most active and most vulnerable digital communities in the world.
The proposed law expands the reach of existing measures such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act, which he described as limited in scope.
Under the bill, cyberlibel, hate speech, online harassment, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private material will be explicitly penalized.
It also prohibits expressions that incite hatred or discrimination based on gender, sexuality, or other personal attributes.
The measure maintains that legitimate commentary, criticism, satire, and opinion directed at public officials will continue to be protected, provided they do not spread false or defamatory claims.
Digital platforms will be required to take down harmful content within 24 hours of verified complaints or court orders and to preserve digital evidence for investigations.
They will also need to suspend or block users proven to have violated the law or risk penalties and potential restrictions on their operations in the country.
A Victim Support and Protection Program will be created to provide psychosocial and legal assistance to affected individuals through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Justice.
Perpetrators may face imprisonment and fines ranging from P50,000 to P200,000, depending on the severity and frequency of offenses.
Minors found guilty of cyber offenses will be required to undergo counseling and rehabilitation to prevent repeated abusive behavior.
Ejercito urged the immediate passage of the measure to prevent further tragedies linked to online hate and restore kindness and empathy across social platforms.
“We hope Emman’s passing will not be in vain as we push for the immediate passage of this measure. We need to bring back kindness online, where people pause and think before they post,” he said.
“We must prevent another tragedy where our fellowmen, especially the youth, are pushed to the breaking point by the vitriol of online hate,” the lawmaker said.
