Palace hails Ateneo’s decision: Bullying should never be tolerated

Malacañang Palace as seen from across the Pasig River (Photo from malacanang.gov.ph)

MANILA, Philippines — The decision of the Ateneo de Manila University to dismiss a junior high school student involved in bullying should be a reminder that such an act should never be tolerated, Malacañang said Sunday.

“The Palace commends the school administration’s swift action on the case of this student,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said, however, “that the investigation has yet to be concluded as regards the rest of those involved.”

“While we respect ADMU’s academic freedom, we hope that it could finish the ongoing investigation the soonest and with regard to due process, in line with applicable jurisprudence on schools,” he said.

Malacañang, he said, was “aware of several incidents of bullying that go unpunished by schools.”

“We hope that this occurrence will serve as a reminder that bullying is something that should never be tolerated nor condoned in any civilized institution,” he said.

He urged all public and private educational institutions “to establish proper mechanisms to strictly monitor the activities of their students and ensure the strict implementation of Republic Act 10627, otherwise known as the Anti-Bullying Law.”

“We also advise all parents and guardians to keep guiding their children towards righteousness and to set a good example of uprightness for the youth to emulate,” he said.

“We consider this incident,” he said, “as a lesson for us to encourage our children to be more open when it comes to expressing their concerns both inside and outside their schools.”

“As adults, our children look up to us for support and guidance We cannot stress enough how important it is for us to spend quality time with them during their growing years, especially in a generation where modern technology has become a fierce competitor for the youth’s time and attention,” he said.

In a statement on Sunday, ADMU President Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ, said that after “thorough investigation” and meeting parties concerned, the administration of the university decided to dismiss the bully student.

READ: Ateneo kicks out bully student after ‘thorough investigation’

/atm