Senator Bam Aquino is pushing for the passage of a comprehensive School Safety Act within two months, as the Senate seeks stronger measures to protect students and school personnel following recent incidents of violence in educational institutions.
Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, led a joint public hearing on Thursday, July 10, to consolidate proposals aimed at strengthening school security and emergency response systems nationwide.
The proposed legislation seeks to go beyond existing anti-bullying measures by addressing various threats faced by learners inside and outside school campuses.
During the hearing, Aquino said schools should remain places of learning rather than sources of fear for students, teachers, and parents.
“Nandito po tayo dahil naniniwala tayo na ang mga paaralan ay dapat maging lugar ng pagkatuto at hindi ng takot. At lugar kung saan may kumpyansa ang bawat magulang na ligtas na makakauwi ang kanilang mga anak na pumasok sa paaralan,” Aquino said.
The senator said the committee aims to ensure that every school and every Filipino child is protected through stronger policies and coordinated action.
The hearing came after a series of incidents that raised concerns over campus safety, including a shooting at a high school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and more than 20 others injured, as well as the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes.
Aquino said his visit to the families affected by the Tacloban shooting highlighted the fear and grief experienced by parents, students, and communities.
“Sa ating pagbisita, nakita natin ang sakit ng mga magulang, ang takot ng mga estudyante at ang pangamba ng buong komunidad,” he said.
He questioned whether existing laws, policies, and programs are enough to protect students and maintain safe learning environments.
The proposed School Safety Act would include expanded security measures, emergency response protocols, strategic use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, and stronger mental health and psychosocial support programs for students and teachers.
Aquino also raised concerns over the lack of clear emergency procedures during the Tacloban shooting, saying schools and parents needed clearer guidance on what actions to take during similar incidents.
“Ang school safety ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng DepEd o ng paaralan. Responsibilidad po ito ng whole of nation, responsibilidad ito ng buong bansa responsibilidad ng mga magulang, ng komunidad at higit sa lahat responsibilidad ng bawat isa sa atin dito,” he said.
Aquino said the committee intends to move quickly on the measure and pass the consolidated bill within the next two months.
He urged lawmakers to set aside political differences and prioritize legislation focused on protecting students and educators.
“Inaasahan po natin na susulong ito nang walang kulay ng politika. Kapag kaligtasan ng ating mga anak ang nakataya, iisa lamang ang dapat nating layunin,” Aquino said.
He added that students deserve schools where they can learn safely, teachers deserve secure workplaces, and parents deserve confidence that authorities are taking steps to protect their children.
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