Bam Aquino seeks urgent passage of comprehensive school safety bill

Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday urged Congress to swiftly pass a proposed law establishing a nationwide system for preventing, responding to and recovering from violence and other safety threats in schools.

Aquino sponsored Senate Bill No. 2426, or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, under Committee Report No. 89.

He said the measure seeks to consolidate existing school safety policies and establish a clear system covering prevention, emergency response and recovery.

“Ang paaralan ang dapat maging ligtas na espasyo kung saan natututo ang ating mga anak, nabubuo ang kanilang pagkatao at umuusbong ang kanilang mga pangarap.”

(Schools should be safe spaces where our children learn, develop their character and pursue their dreams.)

“Hindi po dapat ito maging lugar ng takot, pananakit o ng karahasan,” he added.

(It should not be a place of fear, harm or violence.)

Three-pillar school safety framework

Aquino said the proposed law would establish a National Comprehensive School Safety Framework built around three pillars: prevention, response and recovery.

Under prevention, schools would identify and address risks before they escalate into violence, including through orientations and training for parents, teachers and student leaders.

For response, the measure would require clear emergency protocols, communication systems, coordination with local authorities, and regular drills appropriate to students’ age and circumstances.

Recovery would include psychosocial support, trauma-informed care and a careful return to school for affected students, teachers, personnel and families.

Each school would also be required to develop a localized School Safety Plan based on the needs and risks of its community.

Aquino said the need for clear protocols became evident during his visit to victims of the Tacloban school shooting.

He recalled accounts of parents who went to three hospitals before finding their injured children and a student who was brought to a hospital after a passerby on a motorcycle found the child.

“When there is a threat, our schools should not be left groping in the dark about whether to impose a lockdown, evacuate, whom to call for help, and who should assist and guide the students,” Aquino said.

Metal detectors, CCTV among proposed safety measures

The bill would also establish standards for school safety infrastructure and screening procedures.

Aquino said schools could be required to have equipment such as metal detectors, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and other screening equipment, depending on their risk assessment and specific needs.

He acknowledged that tighter security measures could create additional challenges, particularly for large schools operating in shifts because of classroom shortages.

He noted that some schools start classes as early as 6 a.m., meaning security screening have to begin as early as 5 or 5:30 a.m.

Aquino said students, parents and teachers may need to adjust to the additional security procedures.

“Pero, Mr. President, kinakailangan na po natin itong gawin.”

(But, Mr. President, we need to do this now.)

He compared the proposed changes to security measures implemented in airports following the September 11 attacks, saying some additional precautions are necessary when lives and safety are at stake.

School safety to involve entire community

Aquino stressed that school safety should not be left solely to principals or security guards.

The proposed framework would strengthen coordination among schools, families, barangays, local government units, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, faith-based groups and civil society organizations.

The bill would also provide training, capacity-building, legal assistance and institutional support for teachers and school personnel.

Aquino said teachers are often among the first expected to respond during emergencies but may lack adequate training and support.

“Kung nais po nating protektahan ng guro ang ating mga anak, tungkulin din po nating protektahan sila.”

(If we want teachers to protect our children, it is also our duty to protect them.)

Parents to undergo mandatory orientations

The measure would also require regular and mandatory orientations and seminars for parents and guardians.

Aquino said families have an important role in addressing issues involving school safety, children’s digital behavior, mental health and responsible firearm safety.

He said the proposed law would complement other measures being considered by the Senate, including legislation on children’s access to social media, stricter enforcement of laws on firearms and weapons, and expanded protections against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Aquino urges Congress to act

Aquino appealed for the immediate consideration and passage of the measure, saying Congress should make school safety a priority.

“Napakaseryoso po ng banta and we’re racing against time.”

(The threat is very serious, and we’re racing against time.)

He also appealed for the bill to be considered in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), if possible.

Aquino ended his sponsorship speech by invoking the students who died in recent school violence incidents.

“Sana po hindi na po dumami ang listahan ng mga pangalan ng mga batang nawala sa kanilang pamilya at sa kanilang kaibigan.”

(I hope the list of names of children lost by their families and friends does not grow any longer.)

“Para po sa kanila ang panukalang ito,” he said.

(This proposed law is for them.) — BAP, GMA News