Senator Bam Aquino is seeking a nationwide school safety framework that would strengthen protections against campus violence, bullying, mental health concerns, and other threats, saying schools need a more coordinated and preventive approach to keeping students and personnel safe.
The Senate Committee on Basic Education convened a public hearing to review whether existing laws and policies adequately protect school communities. His proposed School Safety Act would strengthen campus security, emergency response, mental health support, anti-bullying measures, digital safety, and coordination among schools and key stakeholders.
“Dapat manatiling lugar ng pagkatuto at pag-asa ang mga paaralan, hindi ng takot,” Aquino said.
The hearing followed the June 22 incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that killed three students and injured at least 20 others. Aquino also cited the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Aurora as further proof of the need for stronger school safety measures.
The Senate proposal complements a counterpart measure in the House filed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno. House Bill No. 10038, or the proposed Expanded Anti-Bullying Act, seeks to amend the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 by extending its coverage to higher education institutions and technical-vocational schools, while also including bullying committed by teaching and non-teaching personnel.
“Hindi dapat maging normal ang pambubully sa loob ng paaralan,” Diokno said. “Ang paaralan ay dapat lugar ng pagkatuto, hindi ng takot. Ipaglaban natin ang mas ligtas na espasyo para sa ating mga anak.”
Diokno’s measure strengthens anti-bullying protections through clearer reporting systems, expanded student support, and greater accountability, while extending the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 to more learning institutions.
