Palace commends Ateneo for dismissal of 'bully kid' in viral video

Malacañang on Sunday commended the Ateneo de Manila University’s decision to dismiss the "bully kid" in the viral bullying video that has drawn rage among many Filipinos.

“Palace commends the school administration’s swift action on the case of this student,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“We note, however, that the investigation has yet to be concluded as regards the rest of those involved,” he added.

On Sunday, Ateneo’s president Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ, said that the junior high school student seen on a viral video bullying a fellow student in the restroom has been dismissed.

Panelo said that this incident will serve as a reminder that bullying should never be tolerated nor condoned in any school.

He also urged both private and public schools to establish a program to strictly monitor the activities of their students and ensure the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Law.

“We also advise all parents and guardians to keep guiding their children towards righteousness and to set a good example of uprightness for the youth to emulate,” Panelo said.

Moreover, he said the incident is a reminder for parents to encourage their children to be more open and expressive about their concerns both inside and outside the school.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is for us to spend quality time with them during their growing years, especially in a generation where modern technology has become a fierce competitor for the youth’s time and attention,” Panelo said. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News