The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to have Congress pass a comprehensive digital safety law by the third quarter of 2026. The proposed measure includes a recommended minimum age of 16 for using social media platforms.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the law aims to better protect Filipino users from online harm while making digital platforms more accountable. One key requirement is for platforms to set up a local corporate presence in the Philippines. This would allow them to hire Filipino content moderators familiar with local culture and language, helping speed up the removal of harmful material. It would also create direct lines of communication between authorities and operators, replacing the current system of communicating through representatives that often causes delays.
Aguda noted that harmful content such as disinformation, deepfakes, and financial fraud currently stays online too long even after being flagged — including misinformation about disasters. He clarified the government will not have the power to delete content on its own, but will use the law to enforce cooperation.
The legislation will combine several pending bills into one measure. It may also set rules for content classification and moderation standards. Aguda cited Singapore and European countries as examples of effective regulatory models. He added that while some platforms already cooperate voluntarily, a formal law will ensure consistent compliance across the industry.
Aguda remains hopeful the bill will become law by the target date, aiming for a safer online environment by the end of the year.
