A Little Kindness: The Bill that Hopes to Make the Internet Safer for Kids

Senator JV Ejercito files the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill in memory of Emman Atienza — a call to bring empathy back to the digital world

There’s not a day when someone online doesn’t receive hate. Whether you are a netizen, celebrity, or politician, bashers will still find ways to spew negativity and harassment for many reasons.

In a digital world where a single post can destroy lives or cause depression, Senator JV Ejercito hopes to bring back kindness online. Inspired by the memory of Emman Atienza, the daughter of TV host Kim Atienza, the senator has filed a bill that protects children from the cruelty of online hate.

Rising online harassment

In a press release, JV explained the reasons for filing the bill. 

“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,” he said. “In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt.”

JV cited that many kids of Emman’s age have fallen victim to online bullying, which has affected their self-esteem and confidence. He also mentioned a UNICEF report involving 1,200 Filipino children who have troubling experiences with unsafe online behavior and harmful content, calling for a safer space. 

“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,” JV said. “And as Emman used to always say, to promote ‘a little kindness.’”

What the bill contains

While several proposed bills on cybersafety have been filed in the past, the bill, known as Senate Bill No. 1474, will expand protection that was not included in laws passed, such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act. JV said that these laws still have limitations in protecting people online. 

The following are under the proposed bill:

• Under the proposal, acts like “cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment, including expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on one’s gender or sexuality, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private information will be explicitly penalized.”
• Fair commentary, satire, criticism, and opinions directed at public officials remain protected unless they contain false and defamatory accusations. 
• Digital platforms must take down harmful content within 24 hours after verified complaints or court orders are issued. Platforms are also required to suspend users or ban them, as well as “preserve digital evidence, and provide accessible reporting and redress systems.”
• For the victims, they will receive help through the Victim Support and Protection Program, which offers counseling, therapy through the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health. Legal protection, on the other hand, will be led by the Department of Justice. These services will be paid for by the perpetrators of the crime.
• Those found guilty of the act will be fined between P50,000 to P200,000, depending on the offense. Minors found guilty will be asked to undergo counselling and education on abusive online behavior.

No restriction of free speech

JV clarified that the bill does not restrict the right of free speech in the country, which is under the constitution. The proposed bill aims to hold people accountable and responsible for what they post online. 

“We hope Emman’s passing will not be in vain as we push for the immediate passage of this measure. We need to bring back kindness online, where people pause and think before they post. We must prevent another tragedy where our fellowmen, especially the youth, are pushed to the breaking point by the vitriol of online hate.”

Grieving but slowly accepting

On October 24, TV host Kim Atienza and his wife, educator Felicia Hung, confirmed that their youngest daughter, social media influencer Emman Atienza, died in Los Angeles on October 22.

In an interview on 24 Oras, Kim admitted that he’s still grieving, but that he and his family have accepted the death of Emman, who previously shared on her social media accounts that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“I have this peace that I don’t understand. The pain is deep, but the peace is just as deep. I know all things work out well. Panahon lang ‘yan and I know na kinuha si Emman na may dahilan at ang dahilan ay maganda. I trust the Lord. Pero masakit, masakit ‘yan,” Kim told Vicky Morales.

During his interview with Jessica Soho, aired on November 2, Kim said that his daughter’s motto, “a little kindness,” makes her alive in his heart. 

“She (Emman) was a little kind every day,” he said of his daughter. “ If I’m a little kind today, Emman is alive in my heart.” 

Why this bill matters 

If this bill is passed and amended, it will give protection to people who are victims of online bullying. This is also a reminder for people to be accountable for what they post online, especially when kids are involved.

For parents, it reminds them to teach their children important values. While they cannot monitor them 24/7, what they teach and show in action reminds their children that how they treat people face-to-face or even online is a reflection of their character. 

In the end, the ‘Emman Atienza Bill’ is more than just legislation — it’s a call to parents, children, and every netizen to choose empathy over cruelty. Because, in Emman’s words, a little kindness can go a long way.

More about mental health and cyber law

Why Words Matter: Klea Pineda Speaks Out Against Cyberbullying
What Parents May Not Know About Depression
3 Important Laws Parents Should Know Protecting Their Kids On and Offline