MALACANANG confirmed that there is no move to ban Facebook at this time, following the platform’s cooperation with government requests to remove violent content and false information.
The assurance comes amid earlier warnings that the government was prepared to restrict access to online services that failed to act decisively against material endangering public safety or welfare. The Palace noted that Facebook’s responsiveness in taking down harmful content has satisfied the government’s immediate concerns, thereby averting the need for more drastic measures.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had signaled openness to blocking online platforms that failed to curb content threatening public safety or harming young people. The proposal gained urgency following the tragic shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where the perpetrator livestreamed the attack on social media — sparking widespread alarm over the role of online platforms in spreading violence and potentially inspiring copycat acts. The incident prompted calls for stricter oversight and faster removal of violent material across all digital services operating in the country.
The Palace’s latest statement indicates that constructive engagement and cooperation from social media companies can satisfy national interest, rather than resorting to outright bans. Authorities continue to monitor compliance closely and have warned that platforms must maintain proactive efforts to detect and remove harmful content. While the immediate threat of a ban has receded, the government has made clear that continued access to Filipino users will depend on sustained, responsible cooperation with Philippine laws and public safety requirements.
metrosundaily
