Wazzup Pilipinas!?
It begins with a single post—an unverified claim spreading like wildfire, a deepfake video distorting reality, or a surge of online attacks against someone who dared to voice a different opinion. In today’s digital battleground, where misinformation is weaponized, and truth becomes elusive, the need for clear, enforceable regulations has never been more urgent.
Enter Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas—a veteran in online journalism and a staunch advocate for responsible digital engagement. On February 6, 2025, he formally submitted a landmark proposal to the Tricameral (Tricomm) Committee of the House of Representatives, outlining a comprehensive approach to digital accountability, online safety, and social media ethics.
While Congresswoman Roman’s proposal, discussed during the February 18 Tricomm hearing, echoes some of the same concerns, Del Rosario’s recommendations take a more extensive and pragmatic approach—leveraging existing agencies instead of creating new ones. His plan prioritizes data privacy, misinformation regulation, influencer accountability, and platform transparency, all without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
What Del Rosario envisions is not just regulation but a complete shift in how digital spaces are governed—one that safeguards free speech while holding platforms, influencers, and users accountable. His proposal arrives at a critical moment when the battle for truth and accountability in the online sphere is at an all-time high.
Strengthening Social Media Accountability
1. Enhancing Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Protections
The proposal calls for amendments to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) to ensure social media platforms storing Philippine user data locally, preventing potential breaches and foreign interference. It also mandates platforms to report cybersecurity incidents within 24 to 48 hours and undergo annual cybersecurity audits, akin to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with penalties for non-compliance.
2. Local Registration and Regulation of Social Media Platforms
To ensure accountability, Del Rosario suggests requiring foreign social media companies operating in the Philippines to register with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). This would subject them to local laws and establish a fair tax structure that could fund government programs on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and cybercrime prevention.
3. Ethical Standards for Social Media Influencers and Content Creators
Recognizing the role of digital influencers in shaping public opinion, the Wazzup Pilipinas founder proposes the creation of a National Digital Content Regulatory Board, under either the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) or a newly designated entity under DICT.
The proposal suggests requiring influencers with over 100,000 followers to register to ensure accountability and enforce disclosure guidelines for sponsored content, particularly in political and advocacy materials, following standards set by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Ensuring Authenticity in Digital Communications
1. Strengthening the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)
The proposal expands legal coverage to include:
Doxxing (unauthorized release of private information).
AI-generated disinformation (deepfake videos, manipulated content).
Online gender-based violence (cyber harassment, stalking, digital sexual abuse).
It also recommends establishing a National Cybercrime Reporting System—similar to the U.S. Cyber Tipline—allowing direct reporting to DICT and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for faster intervention.
2. Mandatory Digital Literacy Education
The Wazzup Pilipinas founder underscores the need to integrate Digital Ethics & Media Literacy into the K-12 and higher education curricula. Additionally, government employees and private sector workers should undergo annual digital ethics training to mitigate cybercrime risks.
3. Regulating Deepfake & AI-Generated Content
To combat digital deception, Del Rosario calls for mandatory watermarking on AI-generated images, videos, and audio and bans the unauthorized use of AI in political campaigns, fraud, and character defamation.
4. Transparency in Political & Sponsored Content
The proposal mandates that social media platforms and influencers publicly disclose all political advertising and sponsorships to prevent hidden agendas and the spread of misinformation.
Advancing Digital Well-Being
1. Mental Health Safeguards on Social Media
Del Rosario highlights the link between excessive social media use and mental health concerns, proposing that platforms introduce:
Time limits and digital well-being alerts to curb overuse.
In-app mental health resources and crisis hotline links for users experiencing online abuse.
2. Protecting Minors in Digital Spaces
The proposal recommends strict age verification and parental control mechanisms for users under 18. It also seeks to ban the monetization of exploitative child content in family vlogs and streaming platforms while strengthening school-based cyber protection programs in collaboration with DICT and DepEd.
Legislative & Policy Actions
1. Creation of a National Digital Rights & Responsibility Act
This would define the digital rights of Filipinos, including:
Protection from cyber harassment and misinformation.
The right to digital privacy and fair online treatment.
Legal accountability for misuse of social media platforms.
2. Support for Independent Fact-Checking Organizations
The proposal suggests government-backed grants for independent fact-checking groups such as Vera Files and Rappler’s Fact-Check Initiative. Social media platforms would also be required to collaborate with accredited fact-checkers for misinformation moderation.
3. Whistleblower Protection for Social Media Moderators
To promote ethical content moderation, Del Rosario proposes legal protections for tech company employees who expose unethical practices within their platforms, ensuring social media executives are held accountable for negligence.
4. Strengthening Government-Media-Platform Collaboration
A quarterly consultation between Congress, media organizations, and tech companies is proposed to assess emerging digital threats. Additionally, platforms would be required to submit transparent reports on their content moderation policies and cybersecurity measures.
A Call to Action for a Safer Digital Future
The Wazzup Pilipinas founder emphasizes that the Philippines is at a crossroads in the digital age. Misinformation, cyber threats, and digital exploitation continue to undermine democracy, personal freedoms, and national security. Without decisive action, unchecked algorithms, AI-generated disinformation, and unethical online behavior will continue to manipulate Filipino society.
While Congresswoman Roman’s proposal during the February 18 Tricomm hearing mirrors some of the Wazzup Pilipinas founder’s recommendations, his framework offers a more extensive and practical approach by leveraging existing government agencies instead of creating new ones.
Now is the time for lawmakers to act. Del Rosario’s proposal lays the foundation for a legislative framework that safeguards digital spaces while upholding free speech and technological innovation. His call to strengthen existing laws, enhance digital literacy, and hold social media platforms accountable provides a balanced, enforceable, and future-proof strategy for online governance.
As discussions in Congress continue, Del Rosario urges lawmakers, digital platforms, and stakeholders to collaborate in shaping policies that ensure a safe, ethical, and progressive digital landscape for all Filipinos.
For further discussions, consultations, and collaboration, Del Rosario remains open to working with legislators and digital stakeholders to refine and implement these critical policy proposals.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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