MANILA — Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, also known as the “Emman Atienza Bill,” a measure aimed at addressing cyberbullying, fake news, and online defamation, particularly against vulnerable users such as the youth.

“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.”

The bill is named after Emman Atienza, the late daughter of TV personality Kim Atienza, who was a victim of online bullying. Ejercito cited a UNICEF survey of over 1,200 Filipino children, revealing troubling experiences with unsafe online behavior and harmful content, as well as a strong desire for safer online spaces.

“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 said. “And as Emman used to always say, to promote ‘a little kindness.’”

The lawmaker highlighted the Philippines’ massive online population, noting that as of early 2024, 73.4 percent of Filipinos, or about 86.75 million people, are social media users, with daily internet use averaging 10 hours.

“This fact proves that it is crucial for our country to provide stronger online security and protection for users,” he added.

Senate Bill No. 1474 expands protection under existing laws such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act, covering acts including cyberlibel, online hate speech, harassment, cyberstalking, and non-consensual sharing of private information. It clarifies that fair commentary, satire, and criticism remain protected unless they contain false or defamatory statements.

Digital platforms will be required to remove harmful content within 24 hours of verified complaints or court orders, suspend offending users, preserve digital evidence, and provide accessible reporting and redress systems. Noncompliance could lead to penalties or affect their authority to operate in the country.

The bill also mandates a Victim Support and Protection Program offering psychosocial support, counseling, and legal aid through government agencies, with costs borne by the perpetrators. Sanctions for online abuse range from fines of P50,000 to P200,000 and imprisonment, depending on the gravity and frequency of offenses, while minors will undergo counseling and educational interventions.

Ejercito emphasized the bill is designed to promote accountability online without restricting free speech.

“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. We must prevent another tragedy where our fellowmen, especially the youth, are pushed to the breaking point by the vitriol of online hate,” he said.

According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), online libel, including defamatory posts and public shaming on social media, ranks among the top five cyber-related complaints in the country, with 1,452 cases recorded in 2024. Ejercito noted that the actual number could be higher due to unreported incidents.