By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
In today’s world, being online is part of daily life–from connecting with family and friends to sharing stories and opinions. But along with the good comes a darker side: online hate, bullying, and harassment.
To recognize the growing harm caused by toxic digital behavior, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, also known as the “Emman Atienza Bill.”
Named after Emman Atienza, the late daughter of TV personality Kim Atienza, the bill was inspired by her call for “a little kindness.” Ejercito said the measure aims to protect users, especially the youth, from online abuse and to hold digital platforms accountable.
Under the proposed law, acts like cyberlibel, online hate speech, harassment, cyberstalking, and non-consensual sharing of private information will be penalized. Social media platforms will also be required to remove harmful contentment within 24 hours of a verified complaint and provide easy reporting systems for users.
Victims will receive legal, psychological, and emotional support through a government program, while offenders face fines and possible jail time.
Ejercito emphasized that the bill isn’t about limiting free speech but promoting accountability and empathy online. “We need to bring back kindness,” he said. “People should pause and think before they post.”
With over 86 million Filipinos active on social media, the “Emman Atienza Bill” serves as a timely reminder: our words online have real impact, so choose kindness.
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Jasmine Curtis-Smith is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine right now, as she shares her thoughts on good storytelling in films, as she’s set to star in upcoming movies Open Night, a 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sapphic film entry; and Manila’s Finest, an upcoming 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) crime drama movie.
Read the Stylish Magazine September-October 2025 cover story here.
Watch out for a new #StylishPodcast episode featuring our cover girl Jasmine Curtis-Smith, dropping soon on Facebook and YouTube.
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