Angara open to amend bill vs ‘bully’ teachers | Inquirer News

Angara open to amend bill vs ‘bully’ teachers

By: - Reporter / @MAgerINQ
/ 09:53 AM June 10, 2015

Amid opposition from a teacher’s group, Senator Sonny Angara said he is open to amend his original proposal that seeks to punish school authorities and employees who commit acts of bullying against students.

“It’s good that some teacher’s groups are making their sentiments heard. We welcome it,” Angara said in a statement on Wednesday.

“There’s really a fine line between interfering with the teacher’s prerogative and ensuring our children’s safety given that there are reports of abuses and humiliations still being committed up to this day. Where to draw the line between disciplining and teacher bullying is something we have to discuss going forward,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The senator was reacting to the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition’s call for him to withdraw his bill that seeks to expand the coverage of the Anti-Bullying Act, saying this will “expose teachers to unfair treatment.”

FEATURED STORIES

READ: Group urges Angara to withdraw bill vs bully teachers

But Angara said that filing the bill was just the first step of the process.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We will of course consult with the teachers, the academe and with other stakeholders during the committee deliberations and hearings,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement
Senator Sonny Angara. INQUIRER.net

Senator Sonny Angara. INQUIRER.net

“What I want to stress is that we are open to amending the original proposal, if necessary. We are very much willing to listen to suggestions and helpful inputs that will help us improve and fine-tune the measure. After all, the ultimate goal of the bill, as with the original law, is to protect our children from violence and violent acts,” the senator pointed out.

Article continues after this advertisement

In Senate Bill 2793, Angara proposed that teachers who bully their students should be penalized with a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000 or by imprisonment from six months to a year, or both.

If the teacher’s disciplinary action pushes the student to commit suicide, the fine would range from P100,000 to P500,000 or imprisonment ranging from one to three years, or both. But if the suicide attempt leads to death, the penalty would be a fine of not less than P100,000 to P500,000 or imprisonment from three to six years or both. IDL

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Angara includes teachers in new anti-bullying law

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: bullying, Discipline, Legislation, punishment, Senate, Sonny Angara

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.