An "Emman Atienza Bill" Has Been Filed To Counter Cyberbullying And Online Harassment

The 19 years of life lived by content creator Emmanuelle "Emman" Atienza were definitely not in vain. She touched countless lives, particularly those struggling with mental health, and inspired advocates for creating safer spaces even in the online world.

Emman's legacy now extends beyond social media. Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed the "Emman Atienza Bill," which seeks to strengthen the existing Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175) and the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627). The proposed measure aims to reinforce safety mechanisms for social media users by curbing "cyberbullying, fake news, and online defamation."

"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," the Senator said.

Citing a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) survey, Senator JV noted that over 1,200 Filipino children have been exposed to harmful online content. He also referred to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) data showing that around 1,452 cyberlibel complaints were filed in 2024, ranking it among the country's top five cyber-related complaint.

"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," the Senator said. "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,'" he added.

According to the bill’s explanatory note, one of its main objectives is to establish a "Victim Support and Protection Program" that will provide psychosocial support and legal assistance to victims of cyberbullying and online harassment. The program will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Justice (DOJ).

The proposed legislation also imposes penalties ranging from P50,000 to P200,000, along with imprisonment, for individuals found guilty of online abuse.

To promote accountability, the measure will also require digital platforms to act swiftly on harmful content "within 24 hours of verified complaints or court orders." Failure to comply may result in penalties or even "affect their authority to operate in the country."