A party-list solon has called for a review of laws and policies governing minors’ access to social media, juvenile criminal responsibility, and guidance counseling in public schools following the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
The lawmaker said the June 22 incident, which left three students dead and 20 others injured, should prompt Congress to assess whether existing safeguards are enough to protect Filipino children from harmful online influences and extreme acts of violence.
“We cannot ignore the possibility that unrestricted exposure to harmful online content and violent digital communities may be influencing vulnerable young minds,” House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said.
“Congress, together with our internet regulators, should seriously study reasonable restrictions on social media access for minors, consistent with our Constitution and the protection of children’s welfare,” he added.
He cited Australia’s law prohibiting children below 16 years old from maintaining social media accounts, saying the Philippines should study whether similar safeguards may be appropriate.
“We should explore whether similar safeguards may be appropriate here in the Philippines,” he said.
The minority leader also urged lawmakers to revisit the concept of discernment under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended.
Under the law, children aged 15 and below are exempt from criminal liability. Those above 15 but below 18 may be held criminally liable only if they acted with discernment.
“Congress has a responsibility to undertake a careful and evidence-based review of our juvenile justice law. We must continue protecting children while ensuring that our legal framework remains responsive to exceptionally grave offenses,” the solon said.
He likewise pressed Congress and the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the long-standing shortage of licensed guidance counselors in public schools.
During the 2026 national budget deliberations, Education Secretary Sonny Angara told the House committee on appropriations that DepEd would need more than 50,000 licensed guidance counselors to meet the internationally recommended ratio of one guidance counselor for every 250 students.
The country currently has only 4,069 licensed guidance counselors.
“Every public school should have adequate access to professional guidance counselors who can identify behavioral problems early, provide timely intervention, and help prevent violence before lives are lost. Prevention must always remain our first line of defense,” Libanan said.
He also urged the Commission on Higher Education and DepEd to encourage qualified teachers to pursue master’s degrees in guidance and counseling or psychology through scholarships, career incentives, and other support programs.
Authorities earlier said two Grade 9 students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire inside classrooms at San Jose National High School, killing three fellow students, two aged 15 and one aged 14, and injuring 20 others.