Senator Raffy Tulfo has urged stronger penalties and technology-driven interventions to address rising cases of bullying in Philippine schools.
Speaking at a joint Senate hearing, Tulfo warned that despite the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, incidents continue to climb, with over 20,000 cases recorded in 2018 compared to just 1,158 five years earlier.
“Despite the existence of (the law), we are faced with this reality… We remain the ‘bullying capital of the world, with one out of three Filipinos being bullied every day,” Tulfo said.
He cited reports of bullying that escalated into stabbing incidents and even suicide, including the recent case of a Grade 7 student who died after reportedly being bullied at Quezon City Memorial High School.
“Imbes na nakatulong ang batas, tumaas pa ang insidente ng pambubully. Anong ginagawa ng [Department of Education]? Saan nagkukulang ang batas?” Tulfo asked, stressing accountability among school officials.
Tulfo’s proposed Senate Bill No. 441 seeks to expand the law by mandating stiffer penalties for school authorities who fail to act, requiring training for teachers and parents, and installing CCTV cameras inside classrooms to provide evidence in investigations.
“The recordings of the CCTV footage shall be used solely for the investigation of bullying incidents and other matters concerning the safety and welfare of students,” the bill states.