Senate to probe DepEd’s bullying policies amid latest case in QC school

The Senate basic education committee will launch an inquiry on the Department of Education’s policies and measures against bullying amid a recent case in a school in Quezon City which went viral over the internet.

“Tomorrow we have a hearing on that. Ang focus namin is policy not so much on the individual incidents but the policy. Ano bang (what is the) policy ng school in terms of prevention nitong bullying and we also need to understand why bullying is happening rampantly in our country,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the panel, during an interview on Monday. 

The lawmaker noted the bullying cases nowadays are “getting more violent” as the act is being recorded and posted online. 

“It's very concerning and it's happening in our schools. Kaya may hearing tayo tomorrow to know what government should do and what the government is doing and what our schools , and principals and parents are doing as well,” he said. 

On the recent incident in Bagong Silangan High School, Gatchalian said that the current policy is lacking, particularly the measure which mandates a guidance teacher to assist the victim, his/her parent, and in reporting it. 

“Sapat ba yung ating mga guidance teacher? Admittedly, kulang tayo ngayon so temporary nag-appoint sila ng guidance teacher ang tawag nila,” he said. 

(Are our guidance teachers sufficient? Admittedly, we are currently lacking so they appointed what they call temporary guidance teachers.)

The solon said the Senate panel has already invited the officials of the schools where bullying cases have been reported.

The idea of putting CCTVs inside the classrooms to avoid bullying might also be considered during the hearing. —RF, GMA Integrated News