Senators call for strict implementation of anti-bullying law amid Ateneo incident

Senators on Friday expressed concern over and condemned the alleged bullying incidents involving an Ateneo de Manila University-Junior High School student and his peers as shown in a series of viral videos.

Even Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan — the lawmaker  behind the law that sets the minimum age for criminal liability from nine to 15 years old — said the incident was unacceptable.

"I saw the video and it made me recall my own high school days wherein very similar incidents took place and, yes, also in restrooms amongst schoolmates," Pangilinan said in a text message to GMA News Online.

"This is not to say it is acceptable," he added as he urged parents and teachers to address the problem on bullying "in a much better way."

Pangilinan, however, said punishment against offenders should be child-appropriate and consistent with Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Law.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said he was also disturbed by the video as violence has no place in schools. He vowed to review the Anti-Bullying Law to give it more teeth and impose strict fines and penalties not only to perpetrators but also to parents and school officials.

"Ang mga magulang dapat ayusin nila ang sariling problema ng mga anak nila sa pamamagitan ng pagdisiplina sa mga bata," he said in a separate text message. He urged school administrators to intensify their anti-bullying campaign by making sure the channels to report bullying are available to everyone.

"Our schools officials should be proactive in preventing violence in our campuses and among our children," Gatchalian said.

For his part, Senator JV Ejercito said the responsibility of raising one's child rests with the parents. 

Referring to the alleged agressor in the viral video, Ejercito said, "The kid needs psychiatric help given the numerous times he has been involved in bullying other kids."

Senator Nancy Binay said the public must condemn all forms of bullying, adding as a parent, she agrees that a strong message should be sent that bullying is unacceptable and must not be condoned.

She, however, expressed concern that the involved student in the video is now the being bullied online.

"What’s bothersome, though, is the vicious cycle of bullying," Binay said in a statement. "Bullying does not end by bullying the bully. It only worsens the culture of hate."

"Nakakalungkot lang dahil ang social media has become infected by hatred. Instead of being an instrument of healing, it has become a place of torment."

Senator Sonny Angara, for his part, reminded schools to strictly enforce their anti-bullying policies required under the law.

In a post on his Twitter account, the senator said kids and parents have a right to demand that schools provide a safe and nurturing learning environment.

"Our schools should not forget that under the Family Code they are legally responsible for kids under their custody," he said.  —KBK, GMA News