Lawmaker seeks regulation of Internet games

Waray Rep. Florencio "Bem" Noel urged local government units (LGUs) yesterday to regulate internet cafés that offer video games with "no educational value at all."

He said LGUs can use the leverage of withholding business permits to require that internet shop operators not accept minors and young students as customers, as well as limiting their business hours.

He said the internet café industry is becoming a booming business largely because Filipinos, even minors, are freely allowed to play on-line violent games.

"These games have no educational value at all. What positive values could we get from games whose main objective is to invade a territory, destroy a military base and fight off zombies with blazing guns and tanks?" Noel asked.

"Soon, we will be producing adults who are war freaks and utak pulbura and who will approach their daily problems with the mindset of a warrior or terminator," he warned local officials and his colleagues.

Noel added the LGUs themselves can impose restrictions on the operations of internet shops, though Congress may also take an interest if necessary.

He made the appeal as millions of pupils and students begin their summer vacations and after receiving complaints from concerned parents about the unrestricted operation of internet cafés, some of which have become sites for drug peddling.

He said during their vacations, schoolchildren will have no classes to distract them from playing internet games.

He said on-line shop operators should not only be profit-driven but should display a social conscience.

"They should shoo away minors and young customers," he added. — Jess Diaz