Calls to restrict violent online games and minors’ social media use have gained renewed attention after the recent school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla called for a nationwide ban on Roblox, claiming the game may have influenced the shooter and made children less sensitive to violence.
However, the investigation has not established that Roblox caused or contributed to the attack. Authorities are still examining the shooter’s devices, online activity, and possible motive.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso also urged lawmakers to ban violent online games. In an ABS-CBN newscast, he described the shooter as a Roblox “fanatic.”
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) recommended blocking the website that carried the livestream of the shooting. The proposal targets the website involved.
The incident also renewed efforts to limit children’s use of social media.
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Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2066, which would ban children below 16 from opening or maintaining social media accounts. Platforms would be responsible for preventing minors covered by the proposed law from creating accounts.
At the opening of a gun show, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, during his opening remarks, backed urgent action on the proposed under-16 ban. He raised concerns about children’s exposure to violent online content and games.
Former action star, Sen. Robin Padilla also called for tighter social media restrictions, if not a complete ban, for minors. He pointed to online communities focused on mass shootings and violent crimes.
Senate Bill No. 601 proposes screen-time limits for children and restrictions on links that take them from social media platforms to other websites.
As of Aug. 24, 2026, Roblox and social media remain accessible in the Philippines. The proposed restrictions have not been approved or implemented.
