The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) voiced support for the proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act during a Senate public hearing on 11 February 2026 in Pasay City. The measure aims to enhance safeguards for minors online, a goal AmCham fully endorses, highlighting the importance of protecting children in an increasingly digital world.

While backing the bill, AmCham stressed the need for a balanced regulatory framework that protects minors without hindering innovation or access to information. The organization urged lawmakers to ensure the legislation is practical, enforceable, and proportionate, avoiding overly restrictive provisions that could affect digital inclusion, education, or investor confidence.

AmCham also emphasized that child online safety requires a collaborative approach. Effective protection involves platform accountability, parental engagement, digital literacy, and ongoing public-private cooperation, rather than relying solely on government regulation.

“Measures that are overly restrictive or technically impractical may unintentionally limit educational opportunities, hinder digital inclusion, and affect investor confidence in the Philippines’ digital economy,” the chamber noted.

The Philippines aims to grow as a hub for digital services and tech-driven industries, making it essential for policies to balance consumer protection with a competitive investment climate. AmCham offered to work with lawmakers to refine the bill, ensuring it safeguards children while supporting digital connectivity, innovation, and fundamental rights.

“AmCham stands ready to work with the Committee and other stakeholders to help craft a policy framework that protects children, upholds fundamental rights, and supports a safe, innovative, and competitive digital ecosystem for the Philippines,” the statement said.

The chamber concluded by reaffirming its commitment to national development, stressing that economic growth and foreign investment should complement efforts to create a safer and healthier environment for Filipino families.