The House of Representatives is drafting legislation that would impose a strict, total prohibition on social media and online gaming access for children aged 13 and below, while enforcing stringent regulatory controls for teenagers aged 14 to 17.
Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo, who chairs the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, announced the initiative in a radio interview following a fatal shooting at a school in Zamboanga City involving students, which resulted in two deaths, including the shooter.
“Kapag under 13 ka meron tayong ban sa social media and online gaming platforms. Kapag below 18 but over 13 ang sinasabi natin ireregulate natin. May mga feature na kailangan natin i-ban,” Romulo said.
To ensure enforcement, Romulo emphasized that foreign social media and gaming service providers must establish a registered local presence to operate within Philippine borders.
Platforms that refuse to comply will face immediate access restriction from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“Lahat ng social media platforms, lahat ng online gaming platforms na gustong mag-provide ng platform sa Pilipinas, kailangan magkaroon na kayo ng Philippine presence. Kung wala po kayong Philippine presence, i-bo-block kayo ng DICT. Kailangan nasa jurisdiction namin kayo,” Romulo said.
Additionally, lawmakers plan to form a dedicated classification board tasked with vetting and monitoring digital titles available to young audiences. The House Committee on Welfare of Children intends to conclude its legislative hearings on the matter by the second week of September.
While legislative controls are underway, Romulo noted that the measures rely heavily on strong household oversight.
“Makikita atin ‘yung kahalagahan, ‘yung importansya ng kooperasyon ng ating mga magulang. Itong mga panukalang batas hindi magiging successful kung hindi rin tayo makikipagcooperate dito sa batas, para naman to sa best interest ng mga kabataan,” Romulo said.