SENATOR Risa Hontiveros welcomed Roblox’s commitment to cooperate with Philippine authorities as she pushed for online platforms to appoint a Philippine-based legal representative.

Hontiveros raised the proposal during a meeting with Roblox representatives as the Senate continues deliberations on the strengthened Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (Anti-OSAEC) bill, also known as the SAGIP Bata Act.

Under the proposed measure, online platforms would be required to designate a representative in the Philippines who can receive subpoenas, takedown and blocking orders, requests for account information, and other lawful directives.

Hontiveros said having a local representative would help authorities respond more quickly when Filipino children are suspected of being victims of online grooming or sexual abuse.

Roblox, for its part, 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 the proposal seeks to establish clear accountability and more reliable compliance channels between online platforms and Philippine authorities.

She also stressed that protecting children online should not rest solely on parents and young users, saying platforms must also help prevent grooming, exploitation, and abuse.