TINGOG party-list Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez are considering a formal congressional inquiry into the San Jose National High School shooting in Tacloban City, which left three students dead and 20 others injured.
Rep. Andrew stressed that the tragedy must prompt not only justice for the victims but also a thorough review of the systems designed to protect children. He visited Tacloban this week to console families and check on students still recovering in hospitals.
“A school day that should have ended like any other instead became a tragedy that no parent, friend, or classmate should ever have to bear,” he said. “To the bereaved families and recovering students: know you are not alone. Your grief is shared and deeply felt by this community.”
The lawmaker emphasized that justice must be fully pursued with due process, particularly given that minors are involved. “Justice for the victims must be served—fully, fairly, and through due process. Families deserve nothing less than a complete and honest accounting of what happened,” he said.
Rep. Andrew warned that the incident should not be treated as isolated. “This cannot be seen merely as one event. It highlights deeper gaps in what our children are exposed to at home, in school, and online, and whether the systems meant to protect them are functioning effectively,” he said.
The proposed congressional inquiry would aim to hold parties accountable while providing a clearer understanding of the circumstances that allowed the tragedy to occur. Potential areas of review include the juvenile justice and welfare system, school safety protocols, mental health and counseling services, and coordination among schools, parents, barangays, law enforcement, and relevant government agencies.
“The goal is not just accountability, but understanding—finding where systems meant to protect children left them exposed and turning that understanding into reforms that prevent future tragedies,” he said.
Rep. Andrew concluded that the deaths of students inside a school campus should compel institutions to act with urgency, compassion, and resolve to ensure the safety of all learners.