The proliferation of "dummy accounts"—social media profiles created using stolen photos, fake names, or synthesized identities—has become a primary vehicle for harassment and fraud. In the Philippine legal landscape, victims are protected by a framework of special penal laws designed to address the nuances of digital crimes.

I. The Crime of Identity Theft

In the Philippines, identity theft is primarily governed by Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Computer-related Identity Theft (Section 4(b)(3)): This involves the intentional acquisition, use, misuse, transfer, possession, alteration, or deletion of identifying information belonging to another, whether natural or juridical, without right.
The "Dummy Account" Element: Using someone else's name and photos to create a profile qualifies as identity theft if it is done with the intent to damage the reputation of the victim or to commit fraud.
Penalties: Violators face prision mayor (6 years and 1 day to 12 years) or a fine of at least ₱200,000, or both. If the identity theft is used to commit further crimes, the penalty is one degree higher.

II. Cyberbullying and Online Libel

Cyberbullying itself is not a singular "named" crime in the Revised Penal Code for adults, but it is prosecuted through the lens of Cyber Libel.

Cyber Libel (Section 4(c)(4) of R.A. 10175): This is the unlawful or prohibited act of libel, as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, committed through a computer system.
Elements of Libel:

Allegation of a discreditable vice or condition.
Publication (posting it online where others can see).
Malice (presumed if the statement is defamatory).
Identifiability of the victim.

Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013): This specifically protects students in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools. It requires schools to have clear policies and administrative sanctions for cyberbullying, even if the acts occur outside school premises but affect the school environment.

III. Unjust Vexation and Gender-Based Crimes

When harassment does not reach the level of libel but remains persistent and annoying, other statutes apply:

Unjust Vexation (Article 287, RPC): Any human conduct which, although not producing some physical injury, would unjustly annoy or vex an innocent person. When committed via the internet, the penalty is increased under the Cybercrime Law.
Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313): Also known as the "Bawal Bastos" Law, it penalizes Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment. This includes:
Stalking or persistent messaging via dummy accounts.
Uploading or sharing photos/videos without consent.
Cyberstalking and the use of "trolls" or fake accounts to harass based on gender or sexual orientation.

IV. Procedural Remedies for Victims

1. Preservation of Evidence

The Cybercrime Law allows for the preservation of computer data. Victims should immediately take screenshots of the dummy account, the URL of the profile, and all defamatory posts or messages. Under Section 13, law enforcement can require service providers to preserve traffic data and subscriber information for a period of six months.

2. Disclosure Warrant (WCD)

If the identity of the person behind the dummy account is unknown, the Philippine National Police (PNP) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can apply for a Warrant to Disclose Computer Data. This compels internet service providers or platforms to reveal the IP address and registration details associated with the fake account.

3. Takedown Requests

While legal action is pending, victims can invoke the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173). Under the right to erasure/blocking, individuals can request social media platforms to remove accounts that use their personal information without consent.

4. Filing the Complaint

Complaints are generally filed with:

PNP-ACG: Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group.
NBI-CCD: National Bureau of Investigation Cybercrime Division.
DOJ-OOC: Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime.

V. Summary Table of Applicable Laws

Offense	Governing Law	Focus
Identity Theft	R.A. 10175	Misuse of personal identifying info.
Cyber Libel	R.A. 10175 / RPC	Damage to reputation via digital posts.
Cyber Harassment	R.A. 11313	Gender-based slurs and stalking.
Student Bullying	R.A. 10627	Protection of minors in school systems.
Data Privacy	R.A. 10173	Unauthorized processing of photos/data.