PLDT seeks authority to pull the plug on violent online sites

National

WHEN online content crosses into violence, PLDT Inc. wants telcos to be able to act without waiting for government clearance, calling for rules that would allow providers to block dangerous sites.

PLDT chief operating officer Menardo Jimenez Jr. made the appeal on the sidelines of an online child safety forum, saying the telco has detected channels promoting violence or nihilistic violent extremism but has yet to secure regulatory approval to block them.

“I think if we are given the right guidelines, either by the law or by the right government entity, I would prefer some level of empowerment. If we are able to see and confirm that there are certain sites that actually do violent acts, [I hope we are empowered] to shut them down,” Jimenez said in a Philstar report.

He cited Republic Act 11930, which requires internet service providers to detect and block sites promoting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and report such activity to the Philippine National Police within 24 hours. Jimenez said greater authority could also encourage telcos to compete in providing safer networks for children.

The appeal comes as lawmakers debate stronger protections for young people online. Akbayan Youth on Wednesday opposed a proposed outright ban on social media use by those below 18, saying access restrictions alone would not necessarily make digital spaces safer.

Akbayan Youth national chairperson Khylla Meneses said that simply restricting young people’s access to social media would not protect them, stressing the need to make the digital spaces they use safer.

The group proposed banning social media accounts for children aged 13 and below while strengthening privacy protections, age-assurance systems, parental controls and platform accountability. The proposals came as the Senate considers Senate Bill 2066, introduced by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, which seeks to establish a minimum social media age and regulate children’s access to platforms.

The discussions come amid heightened concern over school safety following recent shootings and threats. During National Teachers’ Month, President Marcos said more work was needed to improve education and school safety, emphasizing the role of teachers in creating secure and supportive environments for learners.

In Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, a loud sound mistaken for gunfire triggered panic at Isulan National High School on Wednesday, prompting an investigation and the suspension of face-to-face classes. Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu later said there had been no shooting and that faulty electrical wiring likely caused the sound. No ammunition was found.

Meanwhile, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said 40 students apprehended over online threats against schools were receiving psychological interventions. Authorities in Baguio City were also investigating alleged threatening messages involving students of the Philippine Science High School-Cordillera Administrative Region Campus, although no confirmed attack plan had been established.(MyTVCebu)