Citing recent incidents of violence involving the youth, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan expressed support for proposed measures seeking to strengthen the protection of Filipino children from threats to their safety and well-being in schools and online.
This includes Senate Bill No. 2426, or the Comprehensive School Safety Act; Senate Bill No. 1819, or the SAGIP Bata Act; and Senate Bill No. 2424, or the Child Online Safety and Protection Act.
The Senate, on Monday, September 21, passed the Comprehensive School Safety Act and the SAGIP Bata Act on third reading. The Child Online Safety and Protection Act remains under plenary consideration after debates were suspended last month.
Pangilinan, who underscored the need for the government and academic institutions to “act with urgency, wisdom, and compassion” in protecting children, expressed his support for the three measures.
“And for these reasons, I vote yes to this measure,” he said of SB No. 2426.
“And finally, Mr. President, the Comprehensive School Safety Act, the SAGIP Bata Act, and the proposed measure to ban online participation of minors of 16 years old – yang tatlong measures na yan, kay Senator Risa, kay Senator Bam, at kay Senator Padilla, kapag sama-sama nating binalangkas at binuo yan, naniniwala tayo na matutugunan nang maayos ang problema ng school violence, exploitation of our children sa tamang paraan,” he added.
As a parent himself, the senator said he is concerned about the safety of children in schools, which are considered to be their second home.
He cited instances of gun violence, bullying, and physical altercations among students going viral on social media. These, he said, are reminders that the government has a duty to ensure safe environments for children to learn and grow.
Referring to the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, Pangilinan lamented that 47.2% of 15-year-old Filipinos have reportedly experienced at least one form of bullying a few times a month or more, while 31% were frequently bullied, and 13.9% reported cyberbullying.
“Kaya napapanahon ang Comprehensive School Safety Bill. Kinikilala nito na hindi lang tungkol sa gate, guwardiya, CCTV, o metal detector ang kaligtasan,” he said.
“School safety means that a child can learn, ask help, report danger without fear of ostracism, shame, or retaliation,” he added.
The measure seeks to protect the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and digital well-being of young people by requiring schools to develop and implement comprehensive, child-appropriate safety plans and measures.
It also underscores the shared responsibility of schools and parents in safeguarding learners, strengthening coordination and cooperation to ensure their welfare, security, and well-being.