As the country’s Ombud for Gender and Children, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports House Bill (HB) No. 8009, or the Expanded Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act. Recently approved in its second reading in the House of Representatives on 16 May 2023, this bill seeks to amend the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 by adding protective measures against electronic and information communications technology (ICT)-based violence and abuse plaguing today’s online spaces.

The expanded bill defines electronic violence against women and children (E-VAWC) as acts involving the unauthorized recording and distribution of photos, videos, and other electronic materials showing women and children’s private parts or those portraying sexual conduct, sex-related expressions and gestures, or any purported violent and errant behavior. E-VAWC also includes using ICT materials to stalk, harass, threaten, and spread false information about women and children, or to create fake social media accounts with the intent to cause harm.

According to one of the authors of this bill, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of the Gabriela party list, this bill will also grant 20 days of paid leave of absence for victims of VAWC meant for healing and recovery from the emotional, physical, and mental trauma they have experienced, in addition to other paid leaves granted by law and company policies.

Protecting human rights necessitates legislative adaptations to technological and online developments. HB 8009 is urgently needed given the prevalent abuses and exploitations suffered by women and children in digital and online spaces, including those perpetrated by their intimate partner.

In a space saturated with unfiltered online content, anonymity, unmoderated social interactions, and clout-chasing trends, which harmful entities can use to exploit unsuspecting victims, HB 8009 provides legal protection that is relevant and responsive in today’s digital age.

We are hopeful that HB 8009 will help reduce the vulnerability of women and children on the internet. With the concrete protection outlined in the proposed bill, women and children will be able to safely use and participate in online spaces free from fear. We also expect that the measure will gradually help create a safe, enabling, and empowering online environment.

Promoting a safe space of equality and equal opportunity, the proposed measure resonates with the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, both of which our country is a State Party.

Considering all these merits, CHR encourages our legislators to pursue further readings of this bill and its urgent passing into law. As always, CHR stands ready and willing to advise and assist in finalizing the bill towards upholding the dignity and rights of women, children, and all individuals. ###