Ejercito pushes bill named after Emman Atienza vs online hate among youth

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito filed “Emman Atienza Bill,” or “Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Act,” a measure to address and combat online hate, harassment, and other forms of online abuses in the country.

Named after the late Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, daughter of the TV personality Kim Atienza, who passed away on Oct. 22, Ejercito emphasized the vulnerability with online hate and bullying, to the youth, challenging their mental health state on the online platforms.

“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,” he said. 

He stressed the balance between freedom of speech and accountability and protection of the individuals against online abuses in the digital spaces, learned from the late Emman Atienza’s experiences.

“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 added.

This proposed bill aims to expand the existing laws, Republic Act 10175 or “Cybercrime Prevention Act” and the Republic Act 10627 or “Anti-Bullying Act” by providing definitions of online hate and harassment, and penalties to those who commit cyberlibel, online hate speech, online harassment, and other similar offenses. 

The bill requires the removal or blockage of ‘harmful contents’ within 24 hours, suspension or banning of offending users, preservation of its data for possible court or legal proceedings through the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other relevant legal agencies.

This also directs the mechanism against these acts, including the employment of trained content flaggers among the online platforms. 

In addition, it mandates a Victim Support and Protection Program, psychological protection, and support from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the victims. 

Any individuals who committed online abuses will face the consequences, including imprisonment and fines, ranging from P50,000 to P200,000, depending on the ‘gravity and frequency of the offense.’ 

While cyberlibel remains punishable under RA 10175, minors involved in the offense will undergo counseling and education, serving the reform of such ‘violent and abusive online behavior.’

Meanwhile, various individuals support the proposal, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), welcoming the bill as ‘a timely update’ to the existing situation in the country’s online activity. 

“[I]f passed, the ‘Emman Atienza Bill’ could strengthen our efforts to promote responsible online behavior and protect citizens from cyberbullying, online defamation, and hate speech,” PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.