Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1886

Introduced by Hon. Alexandria P. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In an increasingly digital world, the internet has become an indispensable platform for
communication, education, and expression. However, the rise of online platforms has also given
birth toa darker reality—cyberbullying and online abuse, which have become rampant and
often go unpunished due to the limitations of current laws.

Cyberbullying can cause deep psychological, emotional, and even physical harm—particularly
among children, teenagers, and vulnerable individuals. Online harassment, doxxing, threats, and
the spread of false information or intimate images without consent continue to plague social
media, forums, messaging apps, and gaming platforms.

This bill seeks to define, prevent, and penalize cyberbullying and all forms of online abuse. It
also promotes digital accountability, mental health protection, and collaboration among
government, schools, tech platforms, and civil society to ensure a safer and more compassionate
online environment.

The bill mandates the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to
lead the implementation, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd),
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Justice (DOJ), and law enforcement
agencies, It includes provisions for digital literacy campaigns, school-based programs, reporting
and response mechanisms, and penalties for violators.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ALI 1A P. GONZALES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

1886

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. Alexandria P. Gonzales

AN ACT
PREVENTING AND PENALIZING CYBERBULLYING AND OTHER FORMS OF ONLINE
ABUSE, CREATING MECHANISMS FOR PROTECTION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND
EDUCATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Cyberbullying and Online Abuse
Prevention Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to:

a. Protect every Filipino, especially minors and vulnerable persons, from online abuse
and cyberbullying;

b. Promote digital safety, mental health, and responsible online behavior;

c. Empower citizens through awareness and education on their rights and
responsibilities in cyberspace;

d. Establish reporting, response, and accountability systems to combat online abuse.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined:

a. Cyberbullying - any deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or
group, using digital technology, intended to harm others. This includes name-calling,
humiliation, impersonation, exclusion, harassment, and threats via social media,
messaging apps, email, or gaming platforms.

b. Online Abuse - broader acts of harassment, threats, stalking, non-consensual image
sharing, hate speech, or digital manipulation that inflict psychological or
reputational harm.

¢. Digital Platforms - include social networking sites, messaging services, online
forums, and any internet-enabled platforms where users interact.

SEC. 4. Prohibited Acts. - The following shall be considered unlawful under this Act:

a. Posting, sending, or sharing threatening, defamatory, or demeaning content with the
intent to harm or harass;

b. Spreading false or private information with malicious intent (doxxing);

¢. Impersonating another person to deceive or cause harm;


d. Encouraging self-harm, suicide, or violence;
e. Sharing altered images or videos meant to humiliate or damage reputation.

SEC. 5. Jurisdiction. - This Act shall apply to all Filipino citizens or residents, and to any act
of cyberbullying or online abuse that affects a person residing in the Philippines, regardless
of the perpetrator’s location.

SEC, 6. Role of the DICT and Other Agencies. - The DICT shall be the lead implementing
agency and shall:

a. Develop guidelines and protocols for reporting and responding to online abuse;

b. Collaborate with DepEd and CHED to integrate digital citizenship in educational
curricula;

c. Partner with PNP Cybercrime Division and NBI for investigation and enforcement;

d. Establish a 24/7 CyberSafety Hotline and online reporting portal.

‘SEC. 7. Obligations of Schools and Online Platforms. - Schools shall:

Create Anti-Cyberbullying Policies
Provide counseling and support to victims
Educate students and faculty on digital ethics
Online platforms shall:

1. Establish abuse-reporting mechanisms

2. Respond within 48 hours to verified reports
3. Remove abusive content as mandated by law

pose

SEC. 8. Penalties. -

a. First Offense: Community service and mandatory digital ethics seminar
b. Second Offense: Fine of P50,000 to 100,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months to 1

year
c. Third Offense and Beyond: Fine of 200,000 and imprisonment of 1 to 3 years

Ifthe offender is a minor, penalties may be substituted with interventions under the
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Ifthe offender is a school official, government employee, or public figure, sanctions may
include administrative and professional penalties.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current appropriations of DICT. Thereafter, such sums as may
be necessary shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within 90 days from the effectivity of this
Act, the DICT, in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.


SEC, 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,