‘Bullying should never be condoned’ — CHR

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday urged government officials to be more careful with their statements, especially sensitive topics such bullying.

CHR, while not directly referring to anyone, made the statement days after Sen. Robinhood Padilla said that slight physical bullying helped him deal with life.

“CHR expresses concern over statements that tolerate any form of bullying. Whether physical or mental, regardless of perceived effect or lack thereof, bullying should never be condoned,” the commission said in a statement.

“We urge government officials and those in position to influence to be circumspect in their statements and its possible implications to upholding the human rights of the vulnerable, including children,” it further said.

Padilla made the statement during the Senate inquiry on the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act.

CHR also acknowledged the Senate’s initiative to review the Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act.

For its part, the human rights commission also vowed to work with relevant agencies and offices, such as the Department of Education to advise them on human rights standards to address challenges with bullying.

“In order to raise a generation of productive and responsible citizens, we need to work collectively to foster safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all Filipino children,” the agency said. (Meralyn Melitante, Inquirer.net trainee)

gsg