Senator Erwin Tulfo proposed imposing strict penalties on social media platforms that repeatedly host violent and graphic content involving minors, sparking broad support among lawmakers for enhanced online safety measures.
During a Tuesday privilege speech, Tulfo questioned whether major digital platforms are actively enforcing their self-regulated community guidelines. He cited the uncontrolled spread of graphic imagery and video clips linked to school shootings in Zamboanga City and Tacloban City.
Emphasizing that lawlessness should not serve as entertainment, he stressed that the suffering of victims is not content, nor should the face of a child—whether a victim or a suspect—become viral material.
Tulfo clarified that his proposed measure does not seek to compromise responsible journalism, public interest reporting, or legal free speech. Instead, it aims to compel platforms to execute their own safety policies and protect children’s dignity, privacy, and well-being.
“Kaya kailangan nating pag-aralan ang isang batas na magpapataw ng mabibigat na multa o parusa sa mga social media platforms na paulit-ulit na pagpalabas ng mga larawan o video na ipinagbabawal na content – lalo na at nagpapakita ng karahasan laban sa mga bata,” Tulfo stated.
Several senators backed the proposal, including Senate President Win Gatchalian, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senators Risa Hontiveros and Raffy Tulfo.
The lawmakers raised concerns over algorithmic amplification, content monetization, and the necessity of requiring foreign tech firms to establish local representatives accountable under Philippine laws.
Gatchalian noted a US federal lawsuit against Meta brought by 29 states alleging that features on Facebook and Instagram foster addiction in minors—claims Meta denies—and warned that sensationalized content severely impacts youth mental health.
“Ang problema yung mga batang nanonood dahil ito ay nakakapalala sa mental health ng mga bata at hindi natin nalalaman kung ano yung napapanood ng bata at ano yung kanyang gagawin dahil napanood niya ito,” Gatchalian noted.
Hontiveros advocated for requiring tech platforms to maintain a physical presence and legal entity within the country to streamline law enforcement coordination. Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo called for integrating digital protections into a broader youth framework that encompasses anti-bullying efforts, active parenting, and safer school environments.
The legislative discussion followed an August 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School, which triggered the viral spread of graphic footage.
In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development urged the public to stop sharing harmful media, while the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center acknowledged jurisdictional limits in ordering foreign platforms to take down content swiftly.
Tulfo asserted that tech corporations must not profit from violent incidents driven by engagement algorithms.
“Hindi maaaring ang kita ay pribado, ngunit ang social cost ng kapabayaan ay pasan nating publiko,” he added.
Following the floor debates, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri successfully moved to refer Tulfo’s privilege speech and the accompanying manifestations to the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, chaired by Senator Robin Padilla.