Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed Senate Bill No. 1474, known as the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Act or the “Emman Atienza Bill,” which seeks to strengthen the country’s legal response against online harassment, cyberlibel, and hate speech.
The bill is named after Emmanuelle Atienza, a 19-year-old Filipino-Taiwanese influencer and mental-health advocate who died by suicide on October 22, 2025. Emman, the youngest daughter of TV personality Kim Atienza, used her platform to speak openly about anxiety, bullying, and the challenges of staying authentic online. Known for blending lifestyle content with mental-health advocacy, she often reminded her followers that it was okay to not be okay.
On September 9, 2025, Emman announced she was taking a break from social media, saying she found it “increasingly hard to be authentic and proud” of her content. Six weeks later, she was found dead in her Los Angeles home. Her passing sparked a nationwide discussion about the mental-health toll of online hate and the toxic culture of social-media pressure. Ejercito said the tragedy underscored the urgent need for stronger laws to protect young people from digital cruelty.
The measure aims to create a safer and more respectful digital environment by expanding protections under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act. It defines online hate as expressions of discrimination or violence against individuals or groups based on religion, gender, political beliefs, race, or other personal characteristics. Online harassment, meanwhile, covers repeated unwanted contact, threats, or public humiliation through digital platforms.
Under the proposal, social media companies and online platforms will be required to remove or block harmful content within 24 hours of receiving a verified complaint or court order. They must also suspend or ban accounts engaged in cyberlibel, hate speech, or harassment and report all content removals and disciplinary actions. Failure to comply could lead to penalties or operational restrictions in the Philippines.
The bill also establishes a Victim Support and Protection Program to provide psychosocial counseling, legal aid, and protection services through the Department of Social Welfare and Development – DSWD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Health (DOH). All related expenses will be charged to the offenders.
For individuals found guilty of online hate or harassment, penalties include fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000 and possible imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Minors, however, will undergo counseling and rehabilitation instead of imprisonment.
The proposal also mandates nationwide digital literacy campaigns through the DOJ and Department of Information and Communications Technology – DICT. These will focus on responsible social media use, promoting empathy, accountability, and respect online.
Advocacy group Digital Pinoys expressed support for the bill, calling it “a timely and necessary step to protect Filipinos from digital violence while upholding free expression and accountability online.” The group said the measure recognizes the growing threats of online hate and misinformation while safeguarding free speech. They also lauded provisions promoting accountability among users and platforms, transparency in content moderation, and inclusion of victim support and digital literacy programs.
Digital Pinoys added that the bill is a significant move toward “ensuring that technology serves people — not the other way around,” combining legal protection with education and empowerment to promote a safe and accountable online environment for Filipinos.
