Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS:

First Regular Session

oust BIL NO. 539d

Introduced by: Hon. Christopher S. Co, Rodel M. Batocabe and Alfreda A. Garbin, Jr.
EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to deter, prosecute, and eliminate cyber-bulties from the cyber-
world, and to create a culture of free and unfettered exchange of information, opiafons
and ideas based on mutual respect and sensitivity towards the feelings of others,

Cyber-bullying is a new social disease which results to dire consequences that
threaten te tear the social and moral fabric of our society. The unique characteristic of
cyberspace makes a person enjoy the benefit of anonymity and multiple personalities,
making this realm the perfect venue for abuse and malicious conduct. Unlike physic!
bullying, electronic bullies can remain virtually anonymous using temporary emai!
accounts, pseudonyms in chat rooms, instant messaging programs, cellphone text
messaging and other Internet venues to mask their identity. This privilege of being
“unknown” frees them from normative and social constraints in their behavior.

Unfortunately, a survey of all bills filed and laws passed in the history of the
Congress of the Philippines shows that, almost surprisingly, no bill was filed to address
this tumor of society, except for bills filed against bullying, which only place liability
upon minor students. Even bills filed on cyber crimes do not include and define cyber-
bullying. The need to prosecute cyber-bullies bas been discussed extensively among
psychological and information technology experts; but, unfortunately, these are futile
attempts at institutionalization. This bill is an answer to the call for action.

With the rise of technology and the growing need for cyberspace interaction and
communication, there is also a corresponding growth in the need for protection of its
uses, most especially minor children who suffer additional risks In being bullied.

bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO.. 5 3 9 i
Introduced by: Hon. Christopher S. Co, Rodel M. Batocabe and Aifredo A. Garbin, jr.

AN ACT
DEFINING AND PENALIZING THE CRIME OF CYBER-BULLYING

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

SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the “ANTI-CYBER-BULLYING ACT
OF 201.

SEC. 2. Cyber-bullying, when committed. The penalty of not tess than Fifty
Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos
(Php 100,000), or, prision correccional, or both, shall be imposed upon any
person who commits a series of acts directed towards another person through
the use of electronic devices, which consist of any or more of the following:

(a) Threats to a person with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of
the person ar of his family of any wroug:

(b) Statking or constantly following or pursuing a person in his daily activities
with unwanted, obsessive attention;

(€) Public humiliation or public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice
or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or
circumstance tending to cause the dishanor, discredit, or contempt, against a
person;

(@) Demanding, requesting or requiring sexual or monetary favors, or
demanding property froma person; and

{e) Any course of conduct directed towards a person that causes substantial
emotional distress in such a person.

‘SEC. 3. Electronic devices. Electronic devices shall include, but are not limited to
telephones and mobile phones, computers, laptops and tablets, or any other
device, tool or implement that may be developed for instant messaging, text
messaging, chatting. emailing, video chatting, interaction in social networking
websites, or other virtual interaction.

SEC. 4. Separability Ctause. - If any provision of this Act is dectared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be
in full force and effect.


SEC. 5. Repeating Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders or rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15} days from its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.