Tinawag na "Emman Atienza Bill" ni Senator Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito ang inihain niyang panukalang Senate Bill No.1474 (Anti-Online Hate and Harrassment Bill).
Layunin ng panukalang solusyunan ang lumalalang kaso sa bansa ng cyberbullying, fake news, at online defamation na diumano’y higit na nakakaapekto sa mga kabataang mahihina ang kalooban.
Pahayag ni Ejercito tungkol sa kanyang panukala: "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.
"In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt."
Pinuna ni Ejercito na marami sa mga kabataan ang biktima ng online bullying gaya ni Emman Atienza, anak ng kanyang kaibigang si Kim Atienza.
Winakasan ni Emman ang sariling buhay, sa edad na 19, noong Oktubre 22, 2025.
Read: Social media influencer Emman Atienza dies at 19
Saad ni Ejercito: "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 and, as Emman used to always say, to promote 'a little kindness.'
"At the onset of 2024, 73.4 percent of the country's population, or about 86.75 million, are social media users. With approximately 10 hours of internet use daily, the online exposure of Filipinos is among the highest in the world.
"This fact proves that it is crucial for our country to provide stronger online security and protection for users."
THE PURPOSE OF THE EMMAN ATIENZA BILL
Idinagdag ni Ejercito na ang Senate Bill No.1474 umano ang magpapalawig sa proteksiyon sa mga mamamayan sa ilalim ng mga umiiral na batas tulad ng Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act — na limitado ang kapangyarihan sa kanyang paniniwala.
Nakasaad sa news release na inilabas ng tanggapan ni Ejercito: “Under the proposed legislation, acts such as cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment, including expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on one's gender or sexuality, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private information will be explicitly penalized.
“It affirms that fair commentary, satire, criticism, and opinions, especially those directed at public officials, remain fully protected except when they contain false or defamatory statements.
“Digital platforms will be required to act swiftly by removing or blocking harmful content within 24 hours of verified complaints or court orders. They must also suspend or ban offending users, preserve digital evidence, and provide accessible reporting and redress systems.
“Failure to comply may lead to penalties or affect their authority to operate in the Philippines.
“To ensure that victims receive the help they need, the bill mandates a Victim Support and Protection Program that offers psychosocial support and counseling through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health, as well as legal aid and protection through the Department of Justice, including assistance in securing protection orders when necessary. The cost of these services will be borne by the perpetrators.
“Perpetrators of online abuse will face stiff sanctions, including imprisonment and fines ranging from P50,000 to P200,000, depending on the gravity and frequency of the offense. Cyberlibel remains punishable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, while minors involved will undergo counseling and education to reform abusive online behavior.”
Read: Anak ni Manny na si Eman Bacosa, binansagang "Piolo Pacquiao" ng netizens
SENATOR EJERCITO VISITS EMMAN ATIENZA'S WAKE
Ibinahagi ni Ejercito sa kanyang Facebook page ang larawan nila ni Kim Atienza at ng misis nitong si Felicia Hung-Atienza nang magpunta siya sa burol ni Emman sa Heritage Park, Taguig City, para makiramay at ibigay ang kopya ng Emman Atienza Bill.
Saad niya: "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."
NETIZENS REACT TO SENATOR EJERCITO'S PROPOSED BILL
Base sa komento ng netizens sa mismong post ng senador, may mga pabor sa panukalang inihain ni Ejercito.
Pero may ilan ding hindi pabor dito.
Sabi ng isa: "Halos lahat po ng batas maganda, ang problema ay sa implementasyon."
Paalala ng isang nagkomento: "Naku po sir! Di po natin hawak ang isip ng mga tao, di natin sila madiktahan kung ano ang gusto nilang ipost."
Ayon sa isa pa: "Parang mali, online is online... Kung ayaw nyo ma bash wag kayo mag post... Consider nyo lahat, kasi online is like showbis na kapag nag post kayo handa kayo tumanggap ng panghuhusga... Kaya kayo nag popost para mapansin db??? Negative or positive tanggapin nyo."
Paniniwala naman ng isa (published as is): "Kahit isulong papo ang batas nayan senator hindi rin makikinig ang ibang tao lalo na pag sanay na mang bully,Mas ok po talaga na pag may taong ganyan ang sakit wag nalang gumamit ng social media at dapat laging may kasama wag hayaan mag isa Para may Kuma usap sa kanya tuwing ina ataki"
Para naman sa mga taga-online media, tila mahirap i-implement ang panukalang ito kung sakaling maaprubahan.
Dagdag-gastos ito sa news outlets na kailangang mag-hire ng moderators na tututok sa daan-daan at libu-libong komento ng netizens sa iba't ibang social media platforms.
Paano ba maikaklasipika ang bullying at simpleng puna lamang?
Kapag pinuna ba ang mga politiko ay ituturing na rin itong pambu-bully?
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