Ghosting has become a popular way to cut ties with someone without spending an iota of energy — you simply block them and move on with life. But, if one Filipino lawmaker gets his way, that will be a crime.
The Washington Post reports a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, identified as Arnolfo Teves Jr., introduced a bill banning ghosting. Why? He says it is “a form of emotional cruelty and should be punished as an emotional offense.”
“Ghosting is a form of spite that develops feelings of rejection and neglect,” Teves argued. He cited a few studies that suggest people who get ghosted feel physical pain, which impacts their productivity.
So, what would the punishment be if someone is found guilty of ghosting? Teves said those guilty of ghosting “should be punished” but didn’t really lay out if that means fines or jail time. He suggested community service could work.
While it is unlikely this bill will pass, Teves is confident he is on the right side of history. “The realm of dating has changed exponentially compared to previous years,” he countered, adding that if you ban ghosting, people can get closure.
While Filipinos find the bill hilarious, some suggest this is a diversion from major problems happening in the country and all over the world — since this politician is known for stirring the pot to get his name in the headlines.