Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda is backing a proposal that would require covered social media platforms to secure congressional franchises to operate in the Philippines.
Aguda has argued that the requirement would give the government greater authority to hold large online platforms accountable under Philippine law.
“Parang unfair naman na hindi i-require yung same standards,” Aguda said, arguing that major online platforms can have greater reach and revenue than traditional media companies.
The proposal, however, is not a newly filed bill. House records show Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-Jay” Suarez filed House Bill 4786 on September 23, 2025. It was referred to the Committee on Economic Affairs two days later and remains pending there as of September 25, 2026.
HB 4786, or the proposed Social Media Platform Franchise Act, would classify qualifying social media platforms as regulated public services and require them to obtain a congressional franchise.
The bill does not specify how many Philippine users a platform must have to fall under the requirement, leaving that threshold to implementing rules.
Covered platforms would also have to establish a registered Philippine entity or branch, appoint a local representative, and maintain a grievance system for Filipino users.
DICT, together with the National Telecommunications Commission, would oversee compliance with franchise conditions and obligations covering areas such as content moderation, data protection, and user complaints.
The bill gives existing platforms 12 months to comply if it becomes law.
The proposal has regained attention following the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. Authorities are investigating an online community reportedly joined by the minor involved, but officials have also been examining how the firearm used in the attack was obtained and secured.
Malacañang has said it is open to stronger regulation but has stopped short of committing to the franchise proposal. On September 25, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the measure needs careful and balanced study because social media is also widely used by businesses and other Filipinos.