MANILA – Sen. Bam Aquino opposed proposals to impose a blanket ban on violent video games following the school shooting in Tacloban City, saying such games have repeatedly been blamed for acts of violence despite studies showing no direct link.

Aquino made the statement after Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to proposals restricting or banning violent online games amid concerns over their possible influence on minors.

“Mas maraming studies na ginawa na nagsasabing walang correlation between video games and school shooting,” Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committees on Basic Education and Science and Technology, said.

“Magpi-50 years na rin iyong mga video games, pero it’s always a convenient scapegoat sa tuwing may nangyayaring insidente ng karahasan,” he added.

Instead of banning video games, Aquino urged the government to strictly enforce age restrictions on mature-rated games, similar to existing regulations governing films and television programs.

“Maraming games na hindi pang-bata. Maybe what we can clarify is kung meron man mas maging strikto, dapat mas istrikto iyong access ng mga bata sa mga mature video games,” Aquino said.

“Dapat sa mga video game stores and online stores, medyo mas strikto rin yung ating rules pagdating sa mga bata at iyong pag-access nila sa mga mature video games. Pero banning video games in general or as a whole, I don’t think that’s a good solution to our problems,” he added.

Aquino also emphasized the role of parents in supervising the games their children play to ensure they are only exposed to age-appropriate content.

He likewise said game developers should strengthen safety measures on platforms designed for children by monitoring and removing online predators, extremist groups, and other harmful individuals.

“Dahil pang-bata iyan, iyong developers mayroong silang responsibility na ma-monitor, ma-check at ma-ban iyong mga predators o iyong mga tao doon na may masasamang balak,” he said.

Following the Tacloban City school shooting that left three students dead and 20 others injured, Aquino reiterated his push for the proposed School Safety Act to improve the protection of students, teachers, and school personnel.

Among the initial measures he proposed are installing additional CCTV cameras, deploying more barangay tanods and security personnel, and holding regular Parent-Teacher Association meetings to discuss school safety concerns and preventive measures.