DILIMAN, Quezon City — Amidst the increasing number of bullying cases and other similar abuses in local schools, Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas is calling for a comprehensive review and amendment of the city’s anti-bullying ordinance to address the alarming problem.

The city councilman's move came after he coordinated with the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to specifically investigate reports of bullying and physical abuse targeting students with disabilities.

In his privilege speech before the city council, Vargas expressed his grief and outrage over a reported tragedy involving a 15-year-old student with a seizure disorder who allegedly took his own life after enduring relentless physical and verbal abuse from his peers.

According to school authorities, the victim, whose identity has been withheld for his protection and privacy, was reportedly assaulted inside a school restroom while other students cheered the incident, which was captured in the school's close circuit television (CCTV) system.

“Our goal is to hear from all stakeholders and to hold accountable anyone who should be held responsible for any wrongdoing or negligence that caused this sad incident. All sides should be heard. Only the truth shall be pursued,” Vargas pointed out.

The city dad likewise emphasized that the current systems in place must be re-evaluated to ensure that all schools are safe places rather than venues for violence.
“Bullying happens in both public and private institutions. The local government must step in to stem bullying and abuse in all (our) schools. We cannot use having a ‘childish mind’ as an excuse (for such acts). This is a matter of life and death. That is why I am calling on all of us,” he stressed.

Vargas added that he is particularly concerned about the vulnerability of the PWD community within the education system and by engaging PDAO, he asserted the importance of creating specialized reporting channels and stricter penalties for those who target students with special needs.

He also challenged school administrators and parents to take a more proactive stance, rather than merely reacting after a tragedy has already occurred: “In drafting or amending our ordinance, let us also ask what is truly the duty of (. . .) parents in reporting bullying.”

In ending, he appealed to his colleagues and the public to break the culture of silence that surrounds bullying which in actuality causes the problem to go unchecked.

“I am calling on all of us to be more compassionate toward our fellow man. Spread kindness. And of course, be vigilant and prompt in reporting incidents of abuse and bullying. No family should have to experience this kind of grief because of bullying,” Vargas concluded.