MANILA, Philippines — Sen. JV Ejercito filed the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill or the “Emman Atienza Bill” to address cyberbullying, fake news, and online hate.
Ejercito on Monday said he filed the measure to protect “vulnerable [social media] users such as the youth.”
He said that Senate Bill (SB) 1474 “expands the protection of citizens” under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act, which he described as limited in scope.
“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.
Sen. JV Ejercito (right) gives a copy of his proposed “Emman Atienza Bill” to the late social media influencer’s parents Kim and Felicia. PHOTO FROM OFFICE OF SEN. JV EJERCITO
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“In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt,” the Senate deputy majority leader said in a statement.
He noted that many young people have fallen victim to online bullying, including Emman, the daughter of his friend and TV personality Kim Atienza, after whom the bill was named.
“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,” Ejercito said. “We must prevent another tragedy where our fellowmen, especially the youth, are pushed to the breaking point by the vitriol of online hate.”
