THE Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc. (KSMBPI) has renewed its call for the creation of a National Social Media Regulatory Board (NSMRB), saying it is crucial in protecting the youth against cyberbullying, violent content, online manipulation and other harmful materials on the internet.
KSMBPI founding chairman Michael Raymond Aragon urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to back the creation of a regulatory body.
This comes following the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22 that left three students dead and 20 others injured. The perpetrators are two male minors, ages 14 and 15. One was a Grade 9 student at the school, while the other was an outsider.
”Amid the senseless shooting spree propagated by minors last Monday morning at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban, we are now asking the government’s most crucial support for a law creating the NSMRB to immediately address the clear and present danger of unregulated social media in the country today,” Aragon said in an interview.
Aragon said initial findings from the Philippine National Police, Department of Education and local authorities pointed to a combination of personal struggles, alleged bullying experiences and possible exposure to harmful online content as among the factors being examined in the case.
He said investigators found that the two minor suspects experienced prolonged bullying since Grade 7, which authorities were looking into as a possible factor behind their reported plan for retaliation.
”The PNP even revealed that the suspects were heavily influenced by online videos of gun violence,” Aragon said, adding that one of the suspects was also reportedly exposed to violent online gaming content.
Aragon said the incident showed the need for stronger accountability mechanisms for digital platforms, particularly in addressing content moderation failures, cyberbullying, deepfakes and algorithm-driven systems that may amplify harmful material among vulnerable users.
He said the proposed NSMRB would provide a government framework to monitor emerging online threats while ensuring that social media companies take greater responsibility in protecting users, especially minors.
Aragon added that his group had earlier submitted a draft executive order seeking the creation of the regulatory body but was advised that a Republic Act would provide stronger legal footing, including clearer enforcement powers and penalties for violations.
The proposal was later brought before Congress, but Aragon said it is yet to be acted upon.
He maintained that the creation of the NSMRB is not intended to restrict legitimate online expression but to establish safeguards against abuses and risks that continue to emerge as digital platforms become more influential in everyday life.
”Social media has become a powerful tool for communication and information, but without proper regulation, it can also become a channel for harmful content and manipulation,” Aragon said.
