Sen. Erwin Tulfo is pushing for heavy penalties on social media platforms that fail to stop violent or graphic content involving children from spreading online. He raised the proposal after disturbing videos linked to recent school shootings in Zamboanga City and Tacloban City circulated widely.
Tulfo said the plan will not block legitimate journalism or lawful expression. Instead, it will force platforms to enforce their own rules and protect minors’ dignity and privacy. He stressed that companies must act faster to remove harmful posts.
Senate President Win Gatchalian and Senators Vicente Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, and Raffy Tulfo backed the call. They pointed to problems with platform algorithms, monetization, and accountability. Gatchalian cited a U.S. federal trial against Meta over claims that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to children.
Hontiveros suggested requiring social media firms to set up legal entities and representatives in the Philippines. This would make it easier for law enforcement to act when harmful content spreads. Raffy Tulfo added that online safety should be part of a wider system that includes anti-bullying programs, responsible parenting, and early intervention for at-risk children.
The urgency was underscored by the August 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where disturbing material spread online. Senators warned of the mental health risks for children exposed to such content.
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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri referred Tulfo’s proposal and senators’ comments to the committee on public information for further study. The next step is to draft measures that balance child protection with freedom of expression.
