The House of Representatives has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to appear before the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in a House hearing on social media safety. Lawmakers said the hearing is expected to address harmful online content, platform accountability, and measures to strengthen online safety for Filipino users.
For Filipino users of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, a Zuckerberg appearance would put Meta’s handling of harmful content and child safety complaints in the Philippines directly under legislative scrutiny, something the platform’s country teams have not previously faced at this level.
In a statement responding to the House’s position, the DICT said it stands “in solidarity with the advocacy of the House” and is “grateful to its members whose rigorous interpellation continues to push the Department to further improve public service and uphold the highest standards of accountability.” DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said the department submits to the House’s exercise of its oversight function.
According to the DICT, the concerns behind the House’s move center on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), which the department called “grave threats that demand decisive action and full accountability.” The DICT statement also cited online illegal gambling, cyberbullying, social media addiction, and depression as harms it said are facilitated or amplified on major platforms.
The department drew a distinction between Meta and other technology companies operating in the country. “Unlike other technology platforms that have demonstrated meaningful cooperation with authorities and concrete progress in safeguarding users, Meta continues to fall short of its responsibility and commitment to youth safety,” the DICT said, adding that companies of Meta’s scale carry a corresponding obligation to implement measurable safeguards, remove harmful content promptly, and cooperate with Philippine authorities.
As part of the same standoff, the DICT confirmed that the House has deferred deliberations on the department’s own budget pending resolution of these concerns with Meta. The DICT said it “fully understands and takes heed” of that position.
The department said it will continue working with Congress, law enforcement agencies, and child protection advocates on measures to strengthen child online protection. “The protection of children is non-negotiable,” the DICT said. “All stakeholders, especially the largest platforms, must be held fully accountable.”
No date for Zuckerberg’s appearance has been announced, and Meta has not issued a public response to the DICT statement or the House’s call as of this writing.
