A proposal to combat digital harassment and punish online abusers has been filed in the Senate following the death of content creator Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, who faced severe cyberbullying before passing away.
Senate Bill No. 1474, also called the Emman Atienza Bill, moved forward under Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito. The measure targets online hate speech, cyberstalking, and the unauthorized sharing of private information, expanding current protections under existing cybercrime and anti-bullying laws.
Ejercito said the online world, while a tool for advocacy and connection, has also become a breeding ground for cruelty and misinformation. “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,” he said. “In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt.”
The senator pointed to the experience of Atienza, daughter of television host Kim Atienza, as a stark reminder of how relentless online aggression can harm young users. He also referenced a UNICEF survey of more than a thousand Filipino children that revealed widespread exposure to harmful digital behavior and a call for safer online spaces.
With over 86 million Filipinos now active on social media at the start of 2024 and among the world’s highest daily internet usage, Ejercito said better safeguards are needed. “This fact proves that it is crucial for our country to provide stronger online security and protection for users,” he added.
Under the bill, harmful content must be taken down within 24 hours after a verified report or court order, and platforms would be required to suspend abusive accounts, preserve evidence, and offer accessible reporting systems. Failure to comply could result in penalties or affect a company’s ability to operate in the country.
The proposal also calls for a victim-support program offering counseling, legal assistance, and protective services, with costs charged to offenders. Penalties for perpetrators include imprisonment and fines from P50,000 to P200,000, depending on the severity and repetition of offenses. Minors involved in cyberbullying would undergo counseling and rehabilitation.
Ejercito underscored that the bill does not intend to silence opinions or stifle criticism, noting that satire, fair commentary, and public scrutiny remain protected so long as they do not contain false or defamatory claims.
“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 DICT has logged more than 1,400 online libel cases this year, ranking it among the country’s most common cyber-related complaints. Lawmakers say actual numbers are likely higher, with many victims unwilling or unable to report harassment.
