A bill seeking “ghosting” as an emotional offense left celebrities and personalities on Tuesday, July 26, shocked them that a lawmaker could think of such a law.
Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr filed the Ghosting Bill under Bill House Bill 611 on June 30.
Justin Dizon was left reacting violently as he tweeted, “T*angina anong kabobohan ito.”
tangina anong kabobohan ito https://t.co/c140g9haTG
— Justin Dizon (@iamjustindizon) July 26, 2022
Theater actor Reb Atadero, Dr. Gia Sison, and Dr. Tony Leachon were disappointed that an elected leader could prioritize ghosting over other important things.
In a country where millions of people are below the poverty line, an ELECTED LEADER just proposed a bill to make “ghosting” illegal.
It sucks to be ghosted. It’s horrible. But don’t you think there are other priorities?
— Reb Atadero (@rebranger) July 26, 2022
When priorities left the room. https://t.co/WZrKdIGgCs
— Dr. Gia Sison (@giasison) July 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/DrTonyLeachon/status/1551822531073818624?s=20&t=LAh5xpCo55NvyChPtzHZog
Journalist Inday Espina Varona even wondered, “what fuels this Negros legislator’s flights of fancy.”
Teves Jr was also the one who filed the petition to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), changing it to Ferdinand E. Marcos International Airport or FEMIA.
From the airport to ghosting… wondering what fuels this Negros legislator's flights of fancy.
— inday espina varona (@indayevarona) July 26, 2022
Professional voice actor Inka Magnaye also wondered what the other bills filed by Teves Jr since his two proposals turned out rather controversial.
https://twitter.com/inkamagnaye/status/1551836960079347712
Meanwhile, Ramon Bautista jested at Congress to pass the bill while establishing a department of love along with a love clinic.
“Isulong ‘yang emotional estafa law. Itatag din ang Department of Love. Sabayan niyo ng love clinic sa bawat barangay. Simulan na rin ang war on fuccbois.”
Isulong yang emotional estafa law. Itatag din ang Department of Love. Sabayan nyo ng love clinic sa bawat baranggay. Simulan na rin ang war on fuccbois
— Ramon Bautista (@ramonbautista) July 26, 2022
Gil Cuerva also mentioned those who love to ghost, “warning” them that it will be an “emotional offense” if the bill lapses into law.
shout out sa mga na-ghost dyan, magiging emotional offense na sya https://t.co/dg9QoX2iWI
— Gil Cuerva (@gilcuerva) July 26, 2022
A Twitter personality was disgusted that despite the constant price hikes, a public official could file a bill about ghosting.
Moreover, he cited articles 19, 20, and 21 of the Civil Code which tackle the similar effect of ghosting on individuals.
Article 19 stated, “Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith.”
Articles 20 and 21 indemnifies a person who causes damage to others.
Really? Food and gas prices are up pero ito concern mo??
Also, art 19, 20 and 21 of the NCC are waving. Hard waving. https://t.co/O968Ga7JNZ
— I need healing (@JoeInDHouse) July 26, 2022
House Bill No. 611 defines ghosting as a form of “emotional abuse” while being in a relationship as it “affects the mental state of the victim.”
The bill also added a new definition of a dating relationship. It pertains to couples living as husband and wife not legally married or romantically involved over time. Dating is going out with someone with the purpose of either being romantic or sexual.
