Senator Robin Padilla calls for social media restrictions for minors after Zamboanga shooting

Senator Robin Padilla called for the Senate to swiftly pass legislation limiting minors’ access to social media, citing growing concerns over harmful online content and communities influencing young people.

In a manifestation on Wednesday, Padilla pointed to his recent visit to Zamboanga City following a school shooting that killed two students and injured another. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, Padilla said he coordinated with school and police authorities to address misinformation surrounding the incident.

He also expressed concern over how the shooting was livestreamed and what he described as its apparent resemblance to the presentation of a video game.

“Kitang-kita na po natin. Naging game… Ito pong sa social media ban sa mga kabataan, sana po ay harapin natin kagyat. Dahil ito po talaga, mga mahal kong kasama, ay clear and present danger,” Padilla said.

The senator warned that some online communities allegedly glorify school violence and may encourage young people to imitate violent acts.

He said the government must confront the spread of harmful content and the potential recruitment of minors through social media and other online platforms.

Padilla said students he met during his Zamboanga visit also raised concerns about the influence of the internet and social media following the shooting.

He urged his colleagues to prioritize legislation restricting social media access among minors, arguing that other related concerns, including juvenile justice, could be addressed separately through further deliberations.

Padilla said he plans to sponsor the proposed measure in the Senate next week.

“Hayaan ninyo akong maisponsoran ang bill na ito next week,” Padilla said. “Kagyat po nating maresolba ang suliranin natin… dahil kumakalat na po ito at nagkakaroon na ng recruitment sa mga paaralan.”