Senator Bam Aquino has rejected proposals to restrict or ban violent video games following the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, arguing that video games are often blamed for incidents of violence despite studies showing no direct link.
The discussion comes after Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to proposals that would restrict or ban violent online games in the Philippines amid concerns about their potential influence on minors.
Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committees on Basic Education and Science and Technology, said research has consistently found no correlation between video games and school shootings.
He added that video games have existed for nearly five decades and have repeatedly become a target of criticism whenever acts of violence occur.
Focus on Age Restrictions
Instead of imposing a blanket ban on video games, Aquino proposed stricter enforcement of age restrictions for mature-rated titles.
According to the senator, regulators, platform operators, and both physical and digital stores should ensure that children have limited access to games intended for older audiences, similar to existing classification systems used for films and television programs.
While acknowledging concerns about young players being exposed to inappropriate material, he said banning video games altogether would not address the root causes of violence.
Parents and Developers Share Responsibility
Aquino emphasized that parents play an important role in monitoring the games their children play and ensuring that the content is suitable for their age.
He also said game developers should strengthen safety measures and take greater responsibility in identifying and removing online predators, extremist groups, and other individuals who may pose risks to children using their platforms.
School Safety Act Push Continues
Aquino is also pushing for the immediate passage of his proposed School Safety Act, which is scheduled for Senate committee deliberations on July 9, 2026.
The measure, originally focused on anti-bullying efforts, has been expanded to include school security, emergency preparedness, mental health support, and violence prevention. Proposed measures include additional CCTV cameras, metal detectors, security personnel, and stronger child protection policies.
The upcoming hearing will also cover proposals related to digital literacy, internet safety, mobile device use in schools, and student welfare.
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