What is the Emman Atienza Bill? Here are some points about it.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito filed the Emman Atienza Bill or the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill.
Philippine Senator JV Ejercito filed the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, also known as the Emman Atienza Bill. In a press release by the Senate of the Philippines on its official website, this bill aims to address the “growing wave of cyberbullying, fake news, and online defamation” in the country.
“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,” Ejercito said.
As much as we all know, Emman Atienza is the late daughter of Kuya Kim Atienza. She was a victim of online hate, according to the broadcaster, who also happens to be a good friend of the senator who filed the bill.
Emman was found dead in their home, and the records showed that she died in the manner of ligature hanging.
“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,’” Senator Ejercito added.
This bill aims to expand the protection of Filipinos under existing laws such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act. Cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment, among others, will be “explicitly penalized.”
The victims will receive psychosocial support and counseling through the Victim Support and Protection Program, with the perpetrators to shoulder these services. The perpetrators will also be fined Php 50,000 to Php 200,000 and imprisoned once proven guilty.
The Senator shared that Emman’s passing will not go in vain. This bill is filed to bring back the kindness of people towards one another online.
“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 shared.
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