Senate, House okay anti-bullying bill

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate and the House of Representatives approved yesterday a bill that would prohibit bullying in elementary and secondary schools throughout the country.

The measure originated from the House, but the Senate amended it, prompting the larger chamber to agree to the amendments to obviate the convening of a bicameral conference, for which there was no more time.

The bill defines acts of bullying in schools and authorizes these institutions to impose sanctions on student bullies.

It empowers the Department of Education to penalize schools that do not stop bullying or sanction student bullies.

Bullying is defined as “any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property.”

It also includes acts that create a hostile environment at school for the bully’s victim and which infringe on his rights.

Physical contact like punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping, tickling, headlocks, and teasing are prohibited, as well as cyber bullying, defined as bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means.

All elementary and high schools would be required to adopt anti-bullying policies and sanctions, which would apply to prohibited acts committed within their campuses, at school-sponsored activities, whether done on or off school grounds, school bus stops, school buses, or other properties owned or leased by the school.

A bully would be required to undergo rehabilitation by the school, together with his or her parents.   

Schools would maintain a public record of bullies and their offenses.

The bill mandates the secretary of education to issue implementing rules and regulations.

Among the authors of the bill in the House are Mitzi Cajayon of Caloocan, Senator-elect Juan Edgardo Angara, the late Salvador Escudero III of Sorsogon, and the three representatives of the party-list group Ako Bicol.

The House would now print a copy of the measure before sending it to President Aquino.