Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGTHEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1644

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The internet, is a technology, has been very helpful to every Filipino. The
archipelagic geography of our country somehow distanced the Philippines from
the rest of the world. But because of the internet, each and every Filipino may now
use an array of information through the World Wide Web. Not only does it provide
access to resources, it has also been a very good means of communication between
and among Filipinos here and abroad.

Data shows that around forty five per cent of the Philippine population has access
to the web, Facebook alone has about thirty million Filipino registrants. Of the 30
million, 40% are young adults (18 to 24 years old} and 15% are teenagers (13 to
17 years old). Evidently, as the population of the country increases, the number of
Filipinos gaining internet access also increases.

Albeit useful, the internet also has its perils. Because of its accessibility, many risks
are also being contronted by the users-minors and adults alike. A very alarming
phenomenon is the so-called computer addiction, ‘This has ruined many lives
resulting to broken families, compromised jobs, and disrupted education, among
others, Because of the prevalence of internet cafes in all types of neighborhoods,
children of school age engulf themselves with too much gaming-mostly online
‘This has believably atfected the mental well-being of the young and is tantamount
to alcohol and drug addiction

Pornography is also a major issue when discussing the internet. A number of
predators prey on children as subjects of their sexual innuendos. According to the
Philippine National Police, about 20,000 photos of sexually exploited children are
being posted online every week. The Department of Justice further exclaimed that
about 46% ot the reported cybercrimes are related to online child abuse. In an
experiment conducted by international humanitarian organization Terres des
Hommes Netherlands, about |,000 pedophiles were caught around the world using
a virtual Filipina girl named Sweetie. The information of these pedophiles have
been conveyed to the Interpol for further surveillance. In such a short span,
numerous abusers were identified. There is surely a lot more than the thousand
that has been tracked. Aside from these harm, children are also susceptible to
cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and cybertrafficking ultimately leading to child

exploitation


Children are not the only victims of internet misuse. Adults may also experience
perils such as trafficking (e.g. mail order spouse scheme). They are also exposed
to hazards of identity theft, extortion, fraud, scams, harassments, and libel.
Looking at the agenda of the exploiters, it can be summed up to ihe following
factors: (a) easy access to internet; (b) increased number of internet users yearly;
(c) high profitability of internet maliciousness; and (d) heightened mobility of the
culprits, et cetera

More and more transactions are made through online means. Each transaction
may mean money gained or money lost. What better way to safeguard our lives
and resources than to start an awareness campaign among every Filipino.
Approving this bill shall stress the importance of doing our share in ensurillg
every user's safety while exhausting the benefits of the internet. | earnestly solicit
the Support of my colleagues in the House of Representatives for the speedy

approv,11 of this measure.
Aura D VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGTHEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1644
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
DECLARING EVERY 10TH OF FEBRUARY OF EACH YEAR
AS NATIONAL SAFER INTERNET DAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the Hm1se of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

Section 1, Shart Title - This Act shall be known as the Safer Internet Day (SID) Act
of 2019.

Section 2. Declaration of Principles - The State recognizes the vital role of
information and communications technology in nation-building and the
importance of providing an environment conducive to the development,
acceleration, and rational application and exploitation of these technologies to
attain free, easy, and intelligible access to exchange and/or delivery of
information. Thus, itis the obligation of the State to promote safer and more
responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst
children and young people across the country.

Section 3. National Safer Internet Day. Every 10" day of February of each year is
hereby declared as National Safer Internet Day to be observed across the country,
Specially in government offices, higher education institutions, technical
vocational institutions, high schools, and elementary schools.

Section 4, Implementing Agency. The Department of Transportation and
Communications in close coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and
Development shall plan, design, and implement programs and activities in
celebration of the National Safer Internet Day every year. Other national
government agencies, local government units, and other government
instrumentalities shall actively participate in the activities of this celebration.

Section 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation or the Official Gazette

Approved