Facebook and other major social media platforms could face stricter requirements in the Philippines as lawmakers and government officials push for greater accountability online. The discussion comes amid renewed concerns over violent content, children’s safety and the responsibilities of platforms with millions of Filipino users. Several proposed measures are now being considered by Congress, although none has yet required Facebook to obtain a congressional franchise. Here’s what the proposed rules could mean for social media platforms in the Philippines.
One of the measures drawing attention is House Bill No. 4786, or the proposed Social Media Platform Franchise Act, principally authored by House Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez. The bill seeks to amend the Public Service Act to classify covered social media platforms as public services that would require a congressional franchise to operate in the country. House records show that the measure was filed in September 2025 and remains pending with the Committee on Economic Affairs.
Facebook Specifically Mentioned
The explanatory note of HB 4786 specifically cites Facebook and estimates that the platform had 86.75 million users in the Philippines. The proposed requirements would apply to covered social media platforms rather than automatically imposing a franchise requirement on Facebook today. If enacted, existing platforms would have a period to comply with the proposed requirements.
Local Office Would Be Required
Under the proposal, covered platforms would need to establish a Philippine legal entity or branch office and designate a local representative. They would also have to maintain a grievance redress system that Filipino users could access. These requirements are intended to give Philippine users and regulators a local channel for addressing complaints and concerns involving the platforms.
Child Safety Is Another Focus
A separate proposal, House Bill No. 9965, seeks to establish safety standards specifically for children’s use of social media. The measure was filed by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos. House records show that HB 9965 was filed in June 2026 and remains pending with the Committee on Welfare of Children.
Age Checks And Parental Controls
HB 9965 would require social media platforms to implement measures such as age verification, parental controls and safeguards against harmful content. The bill also proposes penalties of up to P50 million for violations. Repeated and serious violations could lead to temporary restrictions or prohibition from operating in the Philippines, subject to due process.
DICT Backs Tighter Platform Rules
Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda has also expressed support for stricter regulation of online platforms. In an interview reported by The Philippine Star, Aguda said digital channels such as Facebook should be treated more like broadcasting systems and supported requiring social media networks to secure congressional franchises.
Shootings Fuel The Debate
The push for greater platform accountability has intensified following a series of school shootings, including incidents in Tacloban, Zamboanga and Banga, South Cotabato. Officials have raised concerns about online violent content and its possible influence, although investigations into individual incidents and the role of online material remain separate questions. The latest Banga shooting on Sept. 18 involved a 16-year-old student who killed two classmates before taking his own life, according to police accounts reported by Reuters and other news organizations.
Online Safety Proposals Continue
HB 9965 is only one of several measures currently being considered on children’s social media use. Other House proposals seek minimum age requirements, age verification and additional safeguards for minors using social media platforms. House committee records show that multiple child online safety bills are currently pending.
Facebook Is Not Required To Get a Franchise Yet
Despite the growing discussion, Facebook and other platforms are not currently required to secure a congressional franchise under HB 4786 because the proposal has not become law. The bill would still have to go through the legislative process before its proposed requirements could take effect. For now, the debate centers on how Philippine laws should address platforms that reach millions of users while balancing online safety, accountability and access to digital services.
