By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has filed a bill seeking to impose fines of up to P1 million on individuals found guilty of serious online harassment, hate speech or doxxing, as part of a broader effort to make social media spaces safer and more accountable.

House Bill No. 5750, also known as the “Emman Act,” was named in honor of Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, who reportedly suffered from mental health struggles after experiencing severe online bullying.

Benitez said the proposed measure aims to strike a balance between protecting free expression and preventing abuse in digital spaces.

“I believe in free speech, and I believe that social media is a powerful platform — one that has given everyone a bullhorn to share ideas, express opinions and hold those in power accountable,” he said.

“But freedom should never be used to harm others.”

Under the Emman Act, penalties will be imposed for online acts such as cyberlibel, hate speech, harassment, cyberstalking, and non-consensual sharing of private information.

To avoid misuse of the law, Benitez emphasized that public officials — including himself — will not be covered by the bill’s protections, ensuring that citizens retain their right to criticize and question those in power.

“The goal is straightforward: to make our online spaces safer without making them silent,” he said.

“We can disagree without being disagreeable.”

Holding platforms accountable

The bill also places obligations on digital and social media platforms, requiring them to:

* Remove or disable content deemed as cyberbullying or online harassment

* Suspend or ban users found engaging in prohibited acts

* Designate trained content flaggers

* Report transparently on removal actions

* Create mechanisms for users to report abuse and seek redress

Platforms will also be required to preserve digital evidence for potential use in court proceedings.

For minors found guilty of violations, the measure prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. They will undergo counseling and education on responsible online behavior, facilitated by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council and the Department of Health, in coordination with parents and schools.

Benitez said the Emman Act reflects the growing need for laws that keep pace with digital realities, where online harm can have real-world consequences.

“This is not just about punishment — it’s about protection, education and accountability,” the Bacolod lawmaker said.

“We owe it to the next generation to make the internet a safer place,” he added./CJ, WDJ