Bacolod lone district Rep. Albee Benitez has filed a bill named after the late Emmanuelle "Emman" Atienza that seeks to impose a fine of up to P1 million on certain forms of online harassment.

Benitez penned and filed House Bill (HB) No. 5750 or the proposed Emman Act, as a way to honor Atienza who reportedly struggled with mental health issues and was subjected to intense online bullying.

The measure proposes penalties for acts such as cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment, including expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on one’s gender or sexuality, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private information.

To ensures the public’s right to criticize those in public service, Benitez said that public officials would not be covered by the protections provided by the bill.

“I believe in free speech, and I believe that social media is a powerful platform—one that has given everyone a bullhorn to share ideas, express opinions, and hold those in power accountable,” Benitez said.

However, he has expressed sadness that there are those who have used their freedom of expression to harass, malign, and spread hate online.

Benitez says digital platforms would also be required to promptly remove or disable content that qualifies as cyberbullying or online harassment; suspend or ban of users found to have engaged in prohibited acts; designate trained flaggers for content monitoring; report transparently on removal requests and actions taken; and create mechanisms for users to report abuse and seek redress.

They would also be required to preserve the data for their possible use as evidence in court proceedings.

The proposed penalties for violation of the prohibited acts under the bill are: Arresto menor or a fine of P20,000 to P50,000, or both, for light violations or acts of online hate or harassment consisting of insults, mockery, or similar offensive remarks but not amounting to threats, incitement, or doxxing; Arresto mayor and a fine of P50,000 to P200,000 for targeted online hate or harassment that causes demonstrable emotional distress, doxxing, cyberstalking, and the use of coordinated online mob harassment or hate campaigns; and Prision mayor and a fine of P500,000 to P1,000,000 for online harassment amounting to incitement, or when the violations are committed by a public officer or employee abusing their position.

Minors who violate the law would be subjected to counseling and education on the responsible use of digital spaces, as well as any necessary psychological support, with the aid of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) and DOH (Department of Health) in coordination with their respective parents or guardians and/or educational institutions.

Benitez says his goal for filing the bill is to make online spaces “safer without making them silent,” and to “remind everyone that we can disagree without being disagreeable".

Emman, 19, was the youngest daughter of celebrity weathernan Kim Atienza. Her family announced her unexpected death on Oct. 24, 2025.