By Ben Rosario  The House of Representatives has launched plenary debates for the consolidated bill proposing stiff penalties for the crime of electronic violence against women and their children. (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, chaired by Bukidnon Rep. Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, has reported out on the floor House Bill 5869 before the Christmas break. HB 5869 contains consolidated provisions of four separate legislative measures authored by Reps. Joy Myra Tambunting (PDP-Laban, Paranaque City); Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Partylist); Eufemia Cullamat and Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna and Sarah Jane Elago (Kabataan partylist). The bill seeks to protect women and children from all forms of electronic violence, and prevent any creative legal defense that may be used by violators to manipulate technology and perpetrate violence against women. Tambunting said electronic violence or ICT–related violence is defined under the bill as any act or omission involving the use of exploitation of data or any form of information and communications technology which causes or is likely to cause mental, emotional or psychological distress or suffering to women and her children. Prohibited acts include unauthorized record, reproduction, distribution, use sharing or uploading of any photograph, video or other forms of electronic or artistic presentation depicting the women’s and her children’s genitalia, pubic area, buttocks, breasts and others. Uploading of any photograph video or any other form of electornic or artistic presentation depicting any “purpoted violent or eerant behavior of the woman and her children is also [prohibited. Persons found harassing, intimidating, coercing, threatening or vilifying the women and her children through text messaging or other cyber, electronic or multimedia means may also be held liable. Stalking and creating a fake social media account with intent to show malice or harm are also punishable. HB 5869 imposes penalties on any official or employee of the government who breaches willfully the confidentiality of records of the pending cases . Those found guilty may be held liable for one year imprisonment or fined with not more than P500,000. The bill proposes to expand unlawful acts punishable with imprisonment and fine that are reflected in Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against women Act. Brosas said similar bills were filed in the past three Congresses and were passed on third and final reading by the Lower House. However, final approval by both Senate and the Lower House never took place. Tambunting noted that with the advent of new communications technology, more and more women have become victims of many acts of electronic violence. “The bill seeks to protect these women and their children from all forms of electronic violence,” she said.