Trigger warning: Mention of suicide
Suggestions to improve the proposed “Emman Atienza Bill,” filed in the Senate, have been raised amid concerns over consultation fees and the limited number of psychiatrists and psychologists in the country.
On Monday, November 3, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, filed Senate Bill 1474, also known as the “Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, which seeks to combat cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse following the death of 19-year-old content creator Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza.
Emman was the youngest daughter of television personality Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza, a close friend of Ejercito.
READ: ‘Ball of sunshine’: Sympathies, prayers pour in after passing of Emman Atienza
She died by suicide at her home in Los Angeles.
Emman was a content creator and social media personality known for her lifestyle posts, passion for rock climbing, and candid discussions on important issues, particularly mental health awareness. She had been open about her struggles with mental health prior to her passing.
As an online personality, Emman was also subjected to cyberbullying, an issue that Ejercito seeks to address through his proposed Senate bill.
The measure aims to expand the scope of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act by providing a clearer definition of online hate and harassment.
Under the proposed law, acts such as cyberlibel, online hate speech, online harassment, and similar offenses would be penalized. The bill also mandates the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide enhanced psychosocial support for victims.
While many Filipinos have welcomed the measure, others have expressed hope that it will also lead to more accessible mental health services in the country, especially since Emman was a strong advocate for mental health awareness.
In connection with the bill, a Facebook page opened a discussion about the high cost of consultations with psychiatrists, a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and is qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.
“A better Emman Atienza bill would’ve addressed both the high cost and shortage of psychiatrists — sessions still range from P2,000–P5,000 in private clinics and P400–P1,000 in public hospitals. Dapat hindi mo kailangang mamili kung magpapa-check up ka o kakain ka,” the page said.
The post has garnered over 24,000 reactions, 10,000 shares, and nearly 400 comments, with many users sharing their own suggestions for improving the bill.
“Totoo po ‘yan. Psychiatrist [dito] sa lugar namin is [P3,000] per visit. Tapos sa psychologist pa na [2,000] per session, kaya [P5,000]. Kung wala kang pera, ‘di ka na magpapa-consult,” a Facebook user said.
Another admitted to wanting to pursue further studies to become a psychiatrist, but cited financial challenges.
“Would love to be a doctor of Psychiatry (graduated AB Psychology 2011) but can’t further my studies because I cannot afford it. Sana in the near future, we also invest [in] giving scholarships to those who want to be Psychiatrists [or] Psychologists,” she commented.
Others cited the need for more psychiatrists and psychologists in the country.
“We need more Psychiatrists and Psychologists within and outside urban centers. Government should provide scholarships and career opportunities for those who will provide [these] services. Of course, important din mabigyan ng support at training ang mga community-based counselors, kasama ang mga barangay health workers,” a Pinoy wrote.
“As a Social Worker Assistant, danas namin ang hirap mag-refer sa mga psychiatrist for psychological evaluation… Kulang na kulang ang practitioners sa bansa natin… Kung meron man, napaka-mahal maningil,” another commented.
Some Filipinos have also expressed hope that Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), private, prepaid health plans offered by companies, will include mental health services in their coverage packages.
“Yes, and require HMOs to cover for psych consults,” a Facebook user said in response to the post.
“This! A lot of people don’t maximize their HMO benefits kasi wala namang physical health conditions. It makes sense to allow mental health consultations to be covered too,” another replied.
“Mental health services, including consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, deserve equal consideration under HMO coverage, as mental health care is an essential part of overall well-being,” a Facebook user said.
“Siguro idagdag natin sa mga isusulong pang mga batas ay ang mental health. Ipaglaban natin sanang mas malawak pa ang access ng mga tao — ng mga kabataan. Mula sa mga konsultasyon, counseling, at pati na rin ang mga gamot na kailangan, ilapit natin sana ‘yan sa mga Pilipino,” another Pinoy wrote.
“Honestly, the Emman Atienza Bill could’ve been a step forward if it actually tackled the real roots of the problem (the shortage and inaccessibility of mental health services in this country). Ang mahal ng sessions, kulang ang psychiatrists, tapos halos walang structural support from the government,” another Facebook user commented.
A 2024 Mental State of the World report found that the Philippines’ mental health quotient (MHQ) declined compared to its 2023 level.
The report defines mental health quotient as a “comprehensive” metric of mind health and wellbeing that “encompasses all aspects of mental function — emotional, cognitive and social as well as drive and resilience — and reflects, in the aggregate, our ability to navigate life’s challenges and function effectively.”
The Philippines’ MHQ for 2024 was 68.76, down from 78.44 in 2023.
The MHQ is categorized into six states, namely Distressed (-100 to -50), Struggling (-50 to 0), Enduring (0-50), Managing (50-100), Succeeding (100-150), and Thriving (150-200).
The MHQ is categorized into six states: Distressed (-100 to -50), Struggling (-50 to 0), Enduring (0 to 50), Managing (50 to 100), Succeeding (100 to 150), and Thriving (150 to 200).
— with reports from Philstar.com/Jean Mangaluz
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If you or someone you know needs help, the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline can be reached through the following hotlines: toll-free Luzon-wide landline (1553), Globe/TM (0966-351-4518 and 0917-899-8727), or Smart/Sun/TNT (0908-639-2672).
