Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines today stands at the critical intersection of digital freedom and digital 
responsibility. While social media has empowered millions to speak, connect, and 
mobilize, it has also become a potent tool for the unchecked spread of falsehoods, hatred, 
and manipulation—undermining public trust, damaging reputations, and threatening the 
health of our democratic institutions. 
Disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation are no longer mere nuisances—they 
are national threats. Yet traditional instruments of state regulation are insufficient, and 
overly aggressive state control risks undermining freedom of expression, a fundamental 
right enshrined in our Constitution. 
This bill seeks a democratic middle ground by recognizing the Digital Media Standards 
Coalition (DMSC)—a non-governmental, non-partisan, and independently governed 
body—as a trusted ethical authority in digital platform governance. The DMSC does not 
regulate like the State, nor does it act in service of any commercial interest. Instead, it 
functions as a moral compass: a values-driven, data-informed coalition that platforms and 
government can turn to for ethical guidance on digital content disputes, especially around 
disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation. 
The proposed measure draws inspiration from respected industry-led initiatives such as the 
Ad Standards Council (ASC) in the advertising sector and the Kapisanan ng mga 
Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in traditional broadcast media. Like these bodies, the DMSC 
operates on the principle that ethical governance and civic responsibility must come from 
within the industry, guided by public trust, transparency, and independent oversight—not 
imposed by government fiat. 
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1:49 pm


 
 
 
At the same time, the bill mandates platforms to establish a legal presence in the 
Philippines, maintain a registry of verified user accounts (within privacy protections), and 
adhere to binding directives issued by the DMSC—thus ensuring both ethical 
accountability and enforceable cooperation in combating digital harms. 
This measure is not designed to silence voices, but to amplify the truth. We must ensure 
that our digital spaces remain venues of constructive dialogue—not chaos; of truth—not 
toxicity. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
GERALDINE B. ROMAN 
Representative, First District of Bataan 
Chairperson, Committee on Women and Gender Equality 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________
Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN 
AN ACT 
RECOGNIZING THE DIGITAL MEDIA STANDARDS COALITION AS AN INDEPENDENT 
FACT-CHECKING AND ETHICAL GUIDANCE AUTHORITY, MANDATING SOCIAL MEDIA 
PLATFORMS TO CONSULT AND ADHERE TO ITS RESOLUTIONS ON DIGITAL CONTENT 
DISPUTES, AND REQUIRING PLATFORM ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES THEREFOR 
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 “Digital Media Integrity and 
Platform Accountability Act of 2025.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - The State recognizes the transformative power of digital 
media in shaping public discourse, fostering civic participation, and enabling democratic 
expression. In an increasingly interconnected and information-saturated society, digital platforms 
have become the new medium through which the public obtains information in lieu of traditional 
media. Digital media have also become the most accessible and sought-after public square 
where opinions are expressed and exchanged, and where public opinion is shaped.  
The 
veracity, 
however, 
of 
the 
information disseminated 
through 
digital media goes oftentimes unchecked. 
The 
propagation 
of 
disinformation and malinformation poses a serious danger to individuals and to society as a 
whole due to the reach and popularity of social media. As such, with this power, comes a 
compelling responsibility to safeguard truth, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that the 
digital sphere remains a space for meaningful, respectful, and inclusive dialogue. 
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It is therefore the policy of the State to promote a safe, ethical, and rights-based digital information 
environment, where freedom of expression is protected, celebrated, and empowered, but is not 
abused to enable disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, hate speech, algorithmic 
manipulation, and coordinated inauthentic behavior that undermine democratic institutions and 
social cohesion. 
The State affirms that governance of the digital space cannot rest solely on the regulatory powers 
of government, nor can it be left entirely to the opaque discretion of profit-driven platforms. 
Instead, a balanced model of shared responsibility is essential, one that engages independent, 
expert, and values-driven institutions that serve as guardians of digital integrity without becoming 
instruments of censorship or state control. 
To this end, the State recognizes the Digital Media Standards Coalition (DMSC) as a vital third-
party authority that offers independent ethical guidance, fact-checking expertise, and public-
interest oversight over digital content disputes. The DMSC shall not serve as a regulatory body in 
the manner of the State, but as an autonomous moral compass and technical arbiter grounded in 
data, journalistic rigor, and democratic values. 
This measure builds upon the foundational contributions of established ethical bodies such as the 
Advertising Standards Council (ASC) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), 
which have long upheld truth, fairness, and accountability in traditional media and advertising. By 
recognizing the DMSC, the State extends the same principles of ethical self-regulation and 
industry-based accountability into the digital space—guided by the same spirit of freedom of 
speech, editorial independence, and the public good with full recognition of and respect for our 
basic constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.  
Through this framework, the State and the digital media stakeholders can work hand in hand to 
build a digital ecosystem that is resilient against manipulation, accountable to the people, and 
reflective of the highest standards of truth, justice, and democratic dignity. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms - For the purposes of this Act: 
 
a. Digital Media Standards Coalition (DMSC) refers to a legally registered, independent, non-
profit, and non-partisan consortium of associations and groups of content creators, digital 
advertising and public relations firms, media institutions, fact-checkers, academics, and 
civil society stakeholders with a self-governing Code of Ethics and internal review 
mechanisms that serve as a third-party ethical authority on digital media content. 
 
b. Platform refers to any online intermediary, social networking site, content-sharing service, 
or communication platform that enables the dissemination of digital content to users in the 
Philippines. 
 
c. Disinformation refers to false or misleading information disseminated with the intent to 
deceive or harm, including coordinated campaigns of fake news, deepfakes, or manipulated 
narratives. 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
d. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread regardless of intent 
to deceive. While often unintentional, its dissemination can still result in harm to 
individuals, public trust, or democratic discourse. 
 
e. Malinformation refers to accurate information that is deliberately conveyed out of context, 
in a misleading manner, or with the intention to cause harm, including doxing, revenge 
exposure, or timed publication to incite hate, panic, or reputational damage. 
 
f. Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior (CIB) refers to organized efforts by individuals or 
entities using multiple accounts, fake identities, or bots to mislead or manipulate public 
discourse online. 
 
g. Directive refers to a formal advisory, resolution, or binding instruction issued by the DMSC 
pursuant to a content dispute or platform violation of ethical standards. 
 
h. Sanction refers to any non-criminal, industry-standard, reputational, or remedial penalty 
imposed by the DMSC, including content labeling, removal advisories, account suspension 
advisories, and public notice. 
 
i. Appeals Mechanism refers to a process established by the DMSC allowing platforms or 
content creators to challenge or seek reconsideration of decisions. 
 
SECTION 4. Recognition of the Digital Media Standards Coalition 
The Digital Media Standards Coalition (DMSC), a legally registered, independent, non-profit, and 
non-partisan consortium of  associations and groups of content creators, digital advertising and 
public relations firms, media institutions, fact-checkers, academics, and civil society stakeholders 
with a self-governing Code of Ethics and internal review mechanisms that serve as a third-party 
ethical authority on digital media content,is hereby formally recognized by the State as the ethical 
standards authority and third-party expert body in the realm of digital media governance. 
The DMSC shall serve as the moral compass and technical guide for digital platforms, regulatory 
bodies, and other stakeholders with respect to disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, 
coordinated inauthentic behavior, and other forms of ethically harmful content. 
In line with its current mandate and ongoing operations, the DMSC: 
a. Operates independently from government and commercial interests; 
 
b. Maintains and implements its own Code of Ethics, internal governance policies, and 
peer-reviewed and expedient fact-checking methodologies; 
 
c. Functions as a consultative and adjudicatory authority in content disputes and ethical 
moderation cases; 
 
d. Upholds principles of transparency, accountability, and non-partisanship in all 
decisions and directives; 
 
 


 
 
e. Issues public advisories, binding ethical directives, and reputational sanctions as 
necessary to preserve the integrity of the digital ecosystem; 
 
f. Publishes regular findings, decisions, and reports in the interest of public awareness 
and democratic discourse. 
 
g. Convey its directives, decisions and resolutions to the social media 
platforms for corresponding action.  
 
Nothing in this Act shall impair the DMSC’s right to self-governance, autonomy in standard-
setting, or independence from State control. This recognition shall not be construed as converting 
the DMSC into a government instrumentality, but shall establish its standing as the trusted, 
institutional partner of both platforms and the public in digital content governance. 
 
SECTION 5. Platform Compliance and Obligations 
All social media platforms operating in the Philippines shall: 
a. Establish and maintain a legal entity or permanent representative office in the Philippines 
for regulatory and ethical accountability;  
b. Maintain and submit to the DMSC a registry of verified user accounts, subject to the Data 
Privacy Act of 2012;  
c. Adhere to all binding directives, resolutions, and decisions of the DMSC;  
d. Consult with the DMSC for all escalated content disputes; and, 
e. Provide the DMSC with access to necessary data and technical cooperation for ethical 
audits. 
 
SECTION 6. Authority and Sanctions of the DMSC 
The DMSC shall have the authority to: 
a. Conduct independent investigations on content disputes; 
b. Issue binding directives to platforms on content labeling, removal, or user moderation; 
c. Recommend industry-wide sanctions such as delisting or public reprimand;  
d. Establish a clear and accessible appeals process for disputed decisions;  
e. Collaborate with international fact-checking and oversight institutions. 
SECTION 7. Appeals Mechanism 
The DMSC shall establish and maintain a fair, timely, and transparent process for appeals and 
reconsideration of its directives. Platforms, content creators, or affected individuals may submit 
formal appeals, which shall be resolved within thirty (30) days of filing. Appeals shall be reviewed 
by an independent ethics review board within the DMSC. 
 


 
 
 
SECTION 8. International Cooperation 
The DMSC is authorized to engage in partnerships, data-sharing agreements, and joint initiatives 
with international bodies such as the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), Global 
Disinformation Index, and similar transnational organizations for benchmarking, technical 
training, and ethical alignment. 
SECTION 9. Government and Public Sector Cooperation 
All government agencies shall recognize the DMSC’s role and cooperate in good faith. The DMSC 
may be consulted in legislative or executive actions involving platform governance, freedom of 
expression, or online safety. 
SECTION 10. Funding and Independence 
The DMSC shall not receive direct appropriations from the government. It may receive project-
based grants from non-partisan sources, disclosed publicly in annual transparency reports. 
Independence from political influence shall be preserved at all times. 
SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) 
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT), in consultation with the DMSC and other stakeholders, 
shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to implement this Act. 
SECTION 12. Separability Clause 
If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall not be affected. 
SECTION 13. Repealing Clause 
All laws, decrees, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly 
SECTION 14. Effectivity 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two 
national newspapers of general circulation. 
  
Approved,