Senator Robin Padilla expressed opposition to a proposed House measure requiring major social media platforms to secure a congressional franchise before operating in the Philippines, calling the condition excessive.
Padilla argued that requiring social media platforms to obtain congressional franchises is “too much” because millions of Filipinos rely on these channels for daily communication with family and friends.
“Sobra na po iyon, di naman na dapat gawin yun kasi baka umatras yan. Magagalit na sa atin ang madling pipol kasi ito ay komunikasyon, di naman puro kasamaan. Noble naman inumpisahan ang communication, friendship, pinasukan lang ng demonyo,” Padilla said in an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday.
House Bill No. 4786, titled the Social Media Platform Franchise Act, mandates that major social media networks obtain a legislative franchise prior to operating within the country.
Padilla issued the statements after the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2424, or the Safe Media Access and Responsible Technology for Kids in Digital Space (SMART KIDS) Act, on third and final reading last Thursday.
Co-authored by Padilla, the Senate measure aims to safeguard Filipino children from high-risk digital services and harmful online content.
Under the Senate bill, minors under 18 years old are prohibited from maintaining or creating accounts on covered social media networks, while social networking elements within online gaming platforms are restricted even with parental consent.
The legislation requires digital service providers to implement effective age-verification mechanisms, strengthen safeguards against harmful material, and address addictive user experience designs such as infinite scrolling and video autoplay.
Violating service providers face fines ranging from P5 million to P20 million, while parents or guardians who deliberately evade age restrictions face fines, community service, or mandatory parental guidance seminars.
Padilla said the measure underscores the joint accountability of tech firms, schools, parents, and the government in creating a secure digital environment for Filipino children.
House Bill No. 11566, titled the Safe and Friendly Environment for Kids in Digital Space, serves as the counterpart measure to the SMART KIDS Act in the lower chamber.
The House version proposes an absolute ban on social media accounts for children aged 13 and below, while granting youth aged 14 to 17 restricted access protected by enhanced data privacy controls, parental safeguards, and shields against addictive algorithms.
The House of Representatives approved its counterpart bill on second reading last October 6.
Padilla clarified that the SMART KIDS Act does not impose a total ban on social media access for minors under 18 if the platforms are endorsed by the Department of Education for academic learning.
Padilla also said social media platforms will be required to maintain a designated country representative to enable immediate coordination with local authorities.
“Ang ipagbabawal ay yung may social media interaction, yung may nakaka-usap sila,” Padilla said.
Padilla noted that social networking platforms have frequently become venues for online bullying, suicide encouragement, and mass shootings.
Padilla said the age threshold of 18 was established because individuals below 18 remain legal minors.
Following formal passage of the counterpart bill in the House, Padilla said both chambers will convene a bicameral conference committee to reconcile differing provisions.
Padilla said he will defend setting the restriction age at under 18 years old, adopting a recommendation raised by Sen. Panfilo Lacson during plenary interpellations.
“Maganda ang naging debate namin ni Sen Ping diyan sapagkat inilabas niya ang batas natin patungkol diyan. Eighteen ang adulthood. So kapag menor de edad, 18 below. Yun ang Magandang debate niya sa akin. Sabi niya menor de edad, kaya 18 below. Mahirap po kontrahin,” Padilla also said.