A proposed measure in the House of Representatives seeks to strengthen the country’s anti-bullying framework by requiring annual training for school personnel and imposing sanctions on education officials who fail to comply with child protection measures.
House Bill No. 10038, filed by Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, together with Kaka Bag-ao, aims to institutionalize reforms in the implementation of existing anti-bullying policies in schools.
The proposed legislation mandates annual training for school personnel on bullying prevention, conflict de-escalation, mental health awareness, child protection, and trauma-informed responses.
The measure also provides administrative sanctions against school administrators and personnel who fail to comply with the law’s requirements, without prejudice to any criminal or civil liability that may apply.
The proposal builds on the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and Department of Education Order No. 6, Series of 2026.
It seeks to institutionalize reforms introduced through these existing policies, including the recognition of social bullying and gender-based bullying as forms of bullying that require appropriate intervention and response from schools.
Under the proposal, school personnel would be required to undergo regular capacity-building programs to improve their ability to prevent bullying incidents, respond to conflicts, and provide appropriate support to affected learners.
The measure also emphasizes accountability among school officials by establishing consequences for those who fail to carry out their responsibilities under the anti-bullying framework.
The filing of House Bill No. 10038 comes as lawmakers push for stronger protections for learners and more comprehensive school-based approaches to addressing bullying and related concerns.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Star
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