DAVAO CITY – A councilor has proposed the creation of an organization of city-based content creators that will support and regulate online activities following the insensitive remark of social media content creator Crist Briand Oncada on halal that went viral recently.

Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong Dabawenyos’ media forum at Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, Councilor Bonz Militar, chairperson of the Committee on Information and Technology, said the organization aims to educate content creators here.

Militar said his committee is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to conduct a seminar for Davao-based content creators regarding the responsible use of social media. 

He added that the seminar will include discussions on Davao City ordinances, possible penalties once someone violates these ordinances, the restricted areas for content creation, and the areas and ways they can contribute to the community.

Militar said his office has also discussed plans with content creators to establish a city-recognized group that would provide them benefits such as free legal consultations and access to lawyers for registered Davao-based influencers.

The councilor said that vloggers who repeatedly violate the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, or the city ordinances, will face consequences for their irresponsible actions.

“We only call their attention for the first or second offense, and they must apologize. But if violations continue, we will penalize them,” Militar said, encouraging content creators to post content on their social media responsibly. 

Militar confirmed that the Davao City Council recently passed a resolution reminding vloggers to observe national and local policies, particularly after concerns involving Oncada, reportedly taping a minor in a deleted video content.

“He is the only one with recent violations, although there were cases in the past. We want to correct their contents before they commit further violations,” he said, adding that until now, Oncada has not reached out to his office.

The councilor said that the 1987 Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and expression but also recognizes the responsibility of every citizen to exercise these rights without causing harm to others.

“We don’t need to craft new ordinances as of now because the city already has ordinances in place,” Militar said, adding that the City Council continues to recognize content creators as partners in promoting tourism and information.

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, former chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and now chairman of the Committee on Cooperative Development and People’s Participation, echoed the need for accountability among social media influencers. 

Alejandre recalled a past incident where a content creator promoted a watershed somewhere in Carmen town in Davao del Norte province as a tourist destination, despite restrictions on the area.

“Content creators have a good impact in promotion, but if they make mistakes, it could have a big impact on the environment and communities,” Alejandre said.

Alejandre said he has proposed accreditation or a formal listing of content creators in Davao City to allow regular forums and coordination with the city government and government authorities to inform them on the dos and don’ts.

 “If accredited media exist, we should also have accredited content creators. That way, the city can guide them in terms of land use plans, protected areas, and tourism policies, among others,” the councilor explained.

Alejandre urged the Davao City Information Office to create a group chat of mainstream media with Davao-based content creators so both will be informed. “Whether we like it or not, they are part of social media.”