A lawmaker is pushing to make “ghosting” an emotional offense.
Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. has filed House Bill No. 611 or “An Act Declaring Ghosting As An Emotional Offense.”
Image via CNN
Ghosting is when someone suddenly cuts off all forms of communication. In his explanatory note, Rep. Teves explained that this can be “mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting to the ‘ghosted’ person.”
He also cited studies saying that social rejection of any kind activates the same pain pathways in the brain as physical pain.
“Ghosting is a form of spite that develops feelings of rejection and neglect. Ghosting has adverse effects on the mental state of the one being ghosted and his or her emotional state is still adversely affected as he or she will be constantly thinking of the welfare or the unexplained reasons of the one who ghosted,” he said.
Because there was no closure between the parties, Rep. Teves said it can be considered as a form of emotional cruelty and must be punished as an emotional offense.
Meanwhile, netizens reacted to HB 611; saying that there are other more pressing matters that should be addressed.
“Better create a law for kids with special needs. we are lacking of law in relation to those kids. Support by providing a public occupational/speech therapy center. Not all can afford to send their kids with special needs in therapist,” Sheila C. said.
Another said that it is unnecessary to craft a law on this because getting hurt in the pursuit of happiness is normal.
“In the real world, people sometimes get hurt in the pursuit of happiness. Life is unforgiving, you just need to adjust, survive, and move on. Don’t waste my tax money on this. Instead, craft laws that create sustainable jobs,” he said.
[RELATED: Lawmakers comment on bill proposing to rename NAIA after late Ferdinand Marcos Sr.]
Rep. Teves also pushed for the renaming of Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Ferdinand E. Marcos International Airport.