Gatchalian wants Senate inquiry on implementation of anti-bullying law

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry on the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act following several alleged cases of bullying in schools.

According to Gatchalian in a statement, the said bullying cases include a fatal stabbing involving two students from Culiat High School in Quezon City and a physical altercation between two Ateneo de Davao University students.

“Sa gitna ng nakakaalarmang mga insidente ng bullying at karahasan sa ating mga paaralan, napapanahon ang pagsusuri natin sa umiiral na batas upang matiyak na maitataguyod natin ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral,” Gatchalian in a statement.

(In the midst of alarming incidents of bullying and violence in our schools, it is time that we review the existing law to ensure that we can promote the safety and well-being of our students.)

“Kailangang masugpo natin ang bullying sa ating mga paaralan, lalo na’t nagdudulot ito ng pinsala sa kanilang pag-aaral at mental health,” he added.

(We need to stop bullying in our schools, especially because it causes damage to their learning and mental health.)

Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, was enacted on Sept. 2, 2013, to protect students from bullying and other forms of violence.

However, citing the results of the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment, Gatchalian said Filipinos are the most exposed to bullying with 65 percent of all students aged 15 years old experiencing bullying at least a few times a month.

Because of this, Gatchalian said a comprehensive analysis and gap review of Republic Act No. 10627 is needed, pointing out the need to ensure that every school is effectively implementing procedures described in the anti-bullying law, including immediate responses, reporting, fact-finding and documentation, intervention, and disciplinary measures.

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