Senator Risa Hontiveros wants Roblox and other online platforms to have a local representative in the Philippines who can immediately coordinate with authorities in cases involving children.
Hontiveros raised the issue during a meeting with Roblox representatives as the Senate continues discussions on the strengthened Anti-OSAEC bill, now known as the SAGIP Bata Act.
Under the proposed measure, online platforms would be required to designate a Philippine-based representative who can receive subpoenas, takedown and blocking orders, requests for account information and other lawful directives.
“Kapag may batang Pilipinong posibleng biktima ng grooming o online sexual abuse, bawat oras ay mahalaga. Kailangang alam agad ng ating mga awtoridad kung sino ang lalapitan,” Hontiveros said.
Roblox said it already has channels for coordinating with Philippine law enforcement agencies and is open to appointing a qualified third party as its local representative.
Hontiveros said having a local representative would give authorities a clear and dependable point of contact when urgent action is needed.
“We appreciate Roblox’s openness and its existing work with our law-enforcement agencies. Our goal is to build on that cooperation and make it reliable across platforms, and not dependent on informal or individual arrangements,” she said.
The senator also maintained that protecting children online should not rest only on parents and young users, saying platforms where children interact also have a role in preventing grooming, exploitation and abuse.IMT
