Bam Aquino Seeks Comprehensive School Safety System and Zero-Tolerance Policy on Bullying

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino is pushing for a nationwide school-safety system that would require schools to strengthen the way they prevent, report and respond to bullying, cyberbullying, violence and other threats to students and school personnel.

Aquino’s proposal, identified in reports as Senate Bill No. 2390 or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, calls for a coordinated approach covering prevention, protection, recovery and appropriate disciplinary action. The measure remains a legislative proposal and is not yet law.

“We need systems that prevent harm, prepare schools to respond when risks arise, and provide the support necessary for recovery when incidents occur,” Aquino said in a statement reported by Philippine news organizations. He added that the need for a stronger and more comprehensive approach has become increasingly clear.

Under the proposal, schools would be required to provide accessible reporting channels and promptly assess reports involving bullying or other risks. The goal is to give students, families and school personnel a clear way to raise concerns without unnecessary barriers.

The measure would direct the Department of Education, in coordination with relevant government agencies and education stakeholders, to develop a National Comprehensive School Safety Framework. That framework would establish standards for campus security, anti-bullying measures, digital safety, mental-health support, emergency preparedness and incident reporting.

Each school would also prepare and update a School Safety Plan every year. The plan would cover emergency procedures, important contact numbers, campus infrastructure, digital-safety practices, off-campus activities, community coordination and monitoring.

The proposal emphasizes a safe, inclusive and respectful school culture. Schools would be expected to adopt firm policies against violence, abuse, bullying, discrimination, harassment and other conduct that threatens students or employees. Responses would still need to follow applicable law and due-process requirements.

Depending on a school’s assessed level of risk, safety measures could include closed-circuit television cameras, screening equipment, visitor-management systems, trained security personnel, perimeter protection and emergency-alert systems. The proposal does not mean that every school would automatically receive every type of equipment; implementation would depend on risk, resources and national standards.

The bill would expand the policy discussion beyond punishment alone. Prevention, early reporting, student support and recovery services are central to the proposed framework, alongside proportionate disciplinary measures when violations are established.

The Philippines already has an Anti-Bullying Act, Republic Act No. 10627, which requires elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies addressing bullying. Aquino’s proposal seeks a broader safety framework that also covers emergency readiness, digital threats, mental health and coordination among agencies.

The measure must still pass the Senate and the House of Representatives and be signed by the President before it can become law. Its provisions may change during committee deliberations and the wider legislative process.

Connect TV Channel will update this report when an official bill text, committee action or revised legislative status becomes available.