Manila: The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on Tuesday advocated for the comprehensive and prompt enforcement of the Department of Education's (DepEd) updated anti-bullying guidelines. This call follows the recent signing of the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.
According to Philippines News Agency, EDCOM 2 commended DepEd for introducing significant changes aimed at enhancing school safety. These changes include an expanded definition of bullying, a three-tiered system for handling cases, and harsher penalties for schools that fail to address reported incidents.
"With this new IRR, we commend DepEd for taking concrete steps to make sure that all of our schools are safe spaces for all learners," EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee stated, emphasizing the urgency of the reforms in light of concerning reports of bullying.
A 2022 report from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed that 43 percent of Filipino girls and 53 percent of boys experience bullying multiple times a month, figures that are more than twice the average among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, co-chairperson of EDCOM 2, emphasized the need for schools to act decisively in enforcing the new rules, referring to the issue as a national crisis.
"I strongly urge all schools to immediately enforce tougher anti-bullying measures. Hindi na tayo papayag na manatiling (We will no longer allow ourselves to remain the) bullying capital of the world," Gatchalian said in a news release.
He encouraged schools to align the IRR implementation with the full rollout of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which includes school-based mental health programs, care centers, and the deployment of licensed counselors.
'Walang batang dapat matakot pumasok sa paaralan. Dapat ito'y maging ligtas na kanlungan ng pangarap at pag-asa (No child should be afraid to go to school. It should be a safe haven for dreams and hope),' he added.
Based on national consultations and a 2024 study with De La Salle University, EDCOM 2 had earlier recommended changes to the IRR. The study highlighted the long-term harm bullying inflicts on students' trust in schools and mental health.
The revised IRR requires all public and private schools to adopt localized anti-bullying policies in line with DepEd standards. It also introduces a centralized reporting system and clearly defines the roles of teachers, school officials, and even law enforcement depending on the severity of the case.
Non-compliance will result in stricter consequences. Public school staff may face administrative cases while private school personnel may be sanctioned by DepEd.
"Schools can no longer claim zero incidents as a sign of success. This new framework ensures that bullying is actively addressed -- not hidden," Yee stated.
EDCOM 2, established through Republic Act 11899, is tasked with reviewing the Philippine education system and proposing reforms to address learning challenges nationwide.
