Senator Gatchalian eyes social media ban for minors, anti-political dynasty bill as Senate priorities

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Sunday that a bill prohibiting children aged 16 and below from using social media platforms and the anti-political dynasty measure are among the 50 priority bills that were identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

The Senate chief reiterated his proposal to ban minors from social media in the wake of the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, saying lawmakers must address the factors influencing violent behavior among children.

“Kasi nga ang pinakamalaking tanong dito, ano ba ang nakakaimpluwensya sa mga bata ngayon na nagagawa nila itong karahasan?” the senator said.

“Ang bata kasi hindi naman ‘yan bayolente e pero mayroong mga impluwensya na nangyayari kaya sila ay nagiging ganito ‘yung kanilang pag-iisip,” he added.

Gatchalian also confirmed that the anti-political dynasty bill, which was endorsed by Senator Risa Hontiveros, is included in the LEDAC priority list.

With the Senate expected to divide its time between legislative work and the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Gatchalian said he has asked each senator to identify three priority measures so the chamber can focus on completing key legislation.

“Yung LEDAC bills hihingi ako sa ating mga senador kung ano yung ipa-prioritize natin at tapos yun na lang ang aming tututukan hanggang matapos, dahil 50 [bills] pa yung dapat tapusin at lahat ito pinag-aaralan para maayos naman ‘yung pagdedebate at maayos ‘yung pagsasabatas nito,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian likewise pledged to work for the passage of the anti-political dynasty bill during his term as Senate President, despite anticipating challenges in reconciling the Senate and House versions of the proposal.

“Alam ko magiging madugo pagdating sa Bicam [Bicameral Conference Committee] kasi ang layo ng Senate version sa House version, pero dahil nasa LEDAC ‘yan, itutulak natin hanggang mapasa ‘yan,” Gatchalian said.

He also credited Senator Risa Hontiveros for pushing both the anti-political dynasty bill and amendments to the Party-list System Act, noting that the party-list reform measure is likewise among the LEDAC priority bills.