MANILA (August 13) – All public and private schools are now required to adopt clear anti-bullying policies, act promptly on complaints, and ensure student safety under the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) announced Monday.
CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said the updated rules from the Department of Education (DepEd) set minimum standards, including the duty to investigate all reports and restore safety for everyone involved. The new IRR also explicitly prohibits schools from ignoring bullying cases.
“Zero reports don’t automatically mean a school is doing well. Some schools avoid cases, but this should not happen,” Tapales said in a Bagong Pilipinas interview.
Reports of non-compliance received via the government’s MAKABATA Helpline 1383 will be referred to DepEd for investigation, with principals and school heads held fully accountable. They are now required to appoint disciplinary officers to handle bullying complaints and learner formation officers to support interventions.
The CWC will coordinate with DepEd’s Learner Protection and Rights Division to monitor compliance and expand the helpline’s coverage to private schools.
The strengthened anti-bullying rules align with Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act, which mandates converting guidance offices into care centers with mental health professionals, as well as establishing mental health offices at the division level.
Tapales said while training for teachers and guidance counselors on psychological first aid exists, more capacity-building is needed. He stressed the government’s commitment to making schools and communities safe for children, with accountability placed on school leaders, staff, and the wider education system.
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