Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed a resolution directing her committee to investigate online gaming platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft over child safety concerns.
Senate Resolution No. 357 tasks the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality to study potential risks and recommend mandatory age verification protocols and child protection standards to curb online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
The measure cites a February incident in Southern Luzon where authorities intervened after seven minors allegedly plotted a school attack using Molotov cocktails and bombs, reportedly influenced by violent content and online gaming chats.
Hontiveros stressed that online games are increasingly exploited for grooming, coercion, and distribution of abusive materials, noting that current age verification systems—often based on self-declared information—are inadequate.
She urged Congress to strengthen legislation, promote digital literacy, encourage responsible gaming, and address mental health impacts of excessive play.
Separately, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) last March 20 raised the possibility of a nationwide ban on Roblox, citing alleged illegal activities on the platform.
The CICC has given Roblox 30 days to address the presence of threat actors, including pedophiles and drug traffickers, reportedly using the app as a “hunting ground” for minors.