Sen. JV Ejercito has introduced a measure seeking to combat online hate, harassment, and cyberbullying in the Philippines amid the rising cases of digital abuse and defamation targeting young and vulnerable users.
The proposed Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, also called the “Emman Atienza Bill,” honors the late daughter of TV personality Kim Atienza, who was a victim of online bullying.
“While social media serves as a platform to advocate for truth, it has also become a venue for ruining reputations, spreading fake news, rumors, and false accusations,” Ejercito said. “In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt.”
Filed as Senate Bill No. 1474, the measure seeks to expand and strengthen existing laws such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act, which Ejercito described as limited in scope.
It will explicitly penalize acts including cyberlibel, online hate speech, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private information. Expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on gender, sexuality, or other personal traits will also be punishable.
The senator emphasized that the bill safeguards free speech, allowing fair commentary, satire, and criticism — particularly toward public officials — so long as such content does not contain false or defamatory statements.
Under the bill, social media platforms and online service providers will be required to act within 24 hours of receiving verified complaints or court orders by removing or blocking harmful content.
They must also suspend offending accounts, preserve digital evidence, and provide users with easy reporting and redress systems.
Failure to comply could lead to administrative penalties or affect their authority to operate in the country.
To assist victims, the bill proposes a Victim Support and Protection Program to be implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Justice (DOJ). This includes psychosocial counseling, legal aid, and protection orders.
Perpetrators will bear the costs of these services.
Violators may face imprisonment and fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000, depending on the gravity and frequency of the offense.
Minors found guilty of online harassment will undergo counseling and education instead of imprisonment to correct abusive online behavior.
Ejercito underscored that Filipinos are among the most active Internet users globally — 73.4% of the population or about 86.75 million people are active on social media, spending an average of 10 hours online daily.
“This fact proves it is crucial for our country to provide stronger online security and protection for users,” he said.
A DICT monitoring report recorded 1,452 online libel cases in 2024, ranking it among the top five cyber-related complaints. Ejercito said the true number could be higher, as many incidents go unreported.
Ejercito clarified that the measure is not intended to suppress expression but to promote accountability and compassion online.
“We hope Emman’s passing will not be in vain as we push for the immediate passage of this measure,” he said. “We must bring back kindness online, where people pause and think before they post.”
The bill is now pending in the Senate for committee deliberation.
