Bill protecting women, children vs e-violence gets House nod
MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to protect women and their children from electronic violence has been approved in the House of Representatives.
Congressmen approved Tuesday on third reading House Bill No. 5869, expanding Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
According to the bill, electronic violence or ICT (information and communication technology)-related violence refers to the “use or exploitation of data or any form of information and communications technology which causes or is likely to cause mental, emotional, or psychological distress or suffering to the woman and her children.”
The bill prohibits acts such as the unauthorized recording, reproduction or distribution of photos, videos, or other forms of electronic content that show the woman and her children deemed lewd and defamatory.
Other acts prohibited under the bill are as follows:
-Harassing, intimidating, forcing, threatening or vilifying the woman and her children through text messaging or other cyber electronic, or multimedia technology;
-Stalking, including the hacking of personal accounts on social networking sites and the use of location data from electronic devices;
-Fabrication of fake information or news through text messaging or other cyber, electronic or multimedia technology;
Creation of fake social media accounts using an alias or different individual’s personal information with ill intent and malice
Aside from imprisonment, a minimum of six years and one day up to 12 years, violators shall also pay a fine ranging from P300,000 to P500,000.
They will also undergo mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.
