Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) has filed House Bill No. 6812, also known as the PROTECT (Prevention of Online Threats and Electronic Cruelty Toward Women and Children) Act, to address the growing landscape of digital violence.
The measure seeks to modernize and expand the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262) by explicitly covering electronic or ICT-related violence, Benitez said in a Facebook post Monday, March 16.
This legislative move acknowledges that abuse is no longer confined to physical spaces, as social media, messaging apps, and online accounts have become frequent tools for harassment and intimidation.
The bill points out that digital abuse is a source of real harm with tangible consequences, moving beyond traditional definitions of violence.
Under HB 6812, specific digital offenses such as cyberstalking, hacking, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content are clearly defined and penalized.
It also targets the creation of fake social media accounts or fabricated content used to damage the reputation of women and children.
The act seeks to empower courts to issue immediate remedies, including the blocking or shutdown of online applications used to facilitate these crimes.
Beyond criminalization, the PROTECT Act prioritizes the recovery and welfare of victim-survivors through comprehensive support systems.
The bill proposes stronger legal protections and enhanced confidentiality safeguards to ensure privacy during legal proceedings.
Notably, it includes a provision for paid leave for employed victim-survivors, allowing them the necessary time to attend court hearings or cooperate with investigations without the fear of financial loss.
By closing existing legal gaps, Benitez said he aims to provide a shield for victims in an increasingly interconnected world.*
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