Marcos Open to Requiring Congressional Franchises for Social Media Apps

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to a measure requiring social media platforms to secure congressional franchises before operating in the Philippines if the proposal is deemed beneficial for the safety of the public, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro. The idea was raised anew by Quezon Rep. David “Jayjay” Suarez, who advocates for requiring social media platforms to obtain a congressional franchise as a means to hold them more accountable and transparent in their operations within the country. Castro stated that the President would consider the necessity of such a measure if it is seen to be beneficial in safeguarding the public's safety. The proposal comes amid growing concerns in the Philippines about the spread of disinformation and hate speech through social media, as well as online scams and data breaches, which have become increasingly prevalent issues affecting Filipino society. Lawmakers pushing for this initiative aim to curb the dissemination of harmful content and ensure user safety by imposing certain regulations on these platforms. Details regarding the specific requirements for the franchise and the potential impact on existing social media applications remain unclear at this stage. However, President Marcos' openness to the proposal suggests a potential acceleration of discussions aimed at strengthening regulations in the Philippines' digital space. With high internet and social media penetration rates in the Philippines, their influence on national life, politics, and economic activities continues to grow. Consequently, calls for accountability in the operation of social media platforms are expected to intensify.