Manila: Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Friday warned juvenile delinquents that they would be barred from enrolling in city-run universities and colleges. Under a proposed city ordinance, students who are caught carrying weapons to school, engage in riots, or are officially found guilty of bullying will face expulsion from Manila's public schools, particularly the Universidad de Manila and the Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila.
According to Philippines News agency, the proposal aims to strengthen campus discipline and safety. Domagoso stated that students found responsible for bullying inside educational institutions would undergo due process that could result in expulsion. "I believe in the right of the individual, but we also have a responsibility to the people," Domagoso mentioned at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel at the Luneta Hotel.
He emphasized that the proposed measure seeks to protect the majority of students, parents, and teachers. Domagoso added that those who commit serious offenses should be removed from Manila schools while disciplinary proceedings are conducted. He called for greater authority for teachers to enforce discipline, saying educators should be empowered to maintain peace and order inside schools. "Empower our teachers para magkaroon ng power ang teacher na makapagdisiplina ng mga students (so that they have the power to discipline the students)," he added.
Meanwhile, Domagoso announced that the Manila School and Community Safety Task Force, which he formed on Thursday, is set to convene next week. He signed Executive Order No. 29, Series of 2026 titled the "Manila Schools Safety Initiative" on June 24. This initiative adopts a prevention-first approach built on three principles: eliminating illegal firearms and armed threats, acting on every credible warning sign of violence, and preparing every school and community for emergency response.
The task force is tasked with monitoring emerging threats against schools, public gatherings, and critical facilities. It is required to submit quarterly reports to the Office of the Mayor. This initiative is the response of the Manila City government amid several violent incidents in schools, which claimed the lives of students and injured several others.
