MANILA, Philippines — A social media watchdog has renewed its call for the immediate creation of a National Social Media Regulatory Board (NSMRB), citing growing concerns over the alleged risks posed by unregulated digital platforms, particularly among Filipino youth.
Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc. (KSMBPI) founding chairman Michael Raymond Aragon appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to support the establishment of the proposed regulatory body and certify the measure as urgent.
The appeal came after the recent shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three high school students were killed and 13 others were wounded.
“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 (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), and local investigators pointed to a combination of personal, digital, and systemic factors surrounding the incident.
He said authorities found that the two minor suspects, aged 14 and 15, had allegedly experienced prolonged bullying since Grade 7, which investigators said may have contributed to their reported desire for retaliation.
Authorities also said the attack was planned weeks in advance and that the suspects allegedly intended to target specific individuals but instead struck nearby classmates.
Aragon said investigators also examined the possible influence of violent online content, including videos depicting foreign school shootings and other violent materials accessible through digital platforms.
“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.
The KSMBPI official said the incident demonstrated the need for stronger safeguards against harmful digital content, deepfakes, cyberbullying, and algorithm-driven manipulation that may affect behavior and public perception.
He said the organization had submitted a draft executive order proposing the creation of the NSMRB but was advised that a Republic Act would be more appropriate to provide clear legal authority, including specific penalties for violations.
The group later elevated the proposal to Congress but said it continues to await legislative action.
Aragon said the proposed NSMRB would serve as a mechanism to address emerging challenges linked to social media use while promoting accountability among digital platforms.
