‘A little kindness every day’: Ejercito turns grief into action with Emman Atienza Bill

The Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill honors the late influencer while tackling the dangers of digital cruelty.

The newly filed Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, nicknamed the “Emman Atienza Bill” for easier public awareness, was named in honor of the late online personality, “who championed mental health and safe online spaces,” according to its author, Sen. JV Ejercito.

“Also, based on my personal experience, I’ve had four friends whose sons or daughters committed suicide,” Ejercito told radar Entertainment at Emman’s wake at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig on Tuesday night. “Because of fear of online backlash, it’s saddening to see how fragile these kids are. Social media is their life. You don’t want another son or daughter to follow Emman.”

Emman, daughter of TV personality Kim Atienza, passed away on October 22 in Los Angeles, California.

“So, I think it’s fitting that it be named after her,” Ejercito said. “Congressman Albee Benitez first filed it in the House, and he asked me to file a counterpart measure in the Senate.”

Ejercito, a close friend of Kim, said the issue hits close to home. “We’re together almost every day. We have coffee before workouts and ride our bikes,” he shared. “I’ve seen the anguish of parents—these four personal friends. The pain may lighten, but it will always be there. We don’t want another child lost to online hate. In Emman’s words, we just need ‘a little kindness every day.’ There’s already too much hate.”

When Ejercito told Kim and his wife, Felicia, about the bill, he said, “Kim was in the States when I drafted it. I texted him: ‘What do you think about calling it the Emman Atienza Bill? Congressman Albee and I are filing it, but I want your permission and Fely’s.’ Later, he said, ‘Of course, Bro. Fely says, “Thank you very much.”

Upon their return, the senator handed them a copy of the draft. “They were thankful. I told them I hope her death wouldn’t be in vain, and that this helps raise awareness against online hate and harassment.”

What the bill aims to do

Ejercito said the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill seeks to clearly define “hate” and “harassment” in the digital space—terms often blurred under current laws.

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“Some might say it’s redundant because we already have the Anti-Cyberbullying Law, but this bill focuses on defining those terms,” he explained. “There will also be penalties—maybe account deactivation if proven. We’ll consult experts, psychiatrists, and psychologists. It’s still a draft, so we’ll hear from stakeholders first.”

Realistically, he said, the bill could take about two years to pass both houses. “There will be three hearings. It’s tedious, but we need it. Online hate and harassment are clear and present dangers affecting today’s youth.”

As a father of two, he understands the urgency. “My kids are still young. I don’t want them exposed to that. These kids are more fragile compared to us. We grew up without social media.”

On mental health and awareness

When asked about netizens saying the real issue is the high cost of mental health care, Ejercito pointed to existing laws he has worked on.

“That’s why I principally authored the Universal Health Care Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act,” he said. “The Mental Health Law, though not mine [it’s by Sen. Risa Hontiveros] already aims to establish mental-health units in public hospitals. What we need now is funding and stronger awareness.”

He added: “We must educate Filipinos that it’s okay not to be okay. It’s not bad to seek a psychologist or psychiatrist. Mental counseling doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you—it means you’re getting help.”

Coping with online hate

As a public figure, Ejercito said he also faces online criticism. “I’m in politics. I’m also bullied and harassed online,” he admitted. “Now, I just look at the reactions but skip the comments because it affects you. I’ve chosen to reduce the toxicity in my life.”

Smiling, he added: “If there are lots of likes, you’re happy, but there are always people who say things that hurt. I just hope we can reduce that. Let’s learn from what Emman stood for—show a little kindness every day. There’s already too much hate on social media.”

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