Senator Bam Aquino is seeking the immediate passage of the proposed School Safety Act amid recent violent incidents in schools and reports of students being found with deadly weapons on campus.
Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said the measure will be deliberated on by the committee on July 9, 2026.
The bill was initially intended to strengthen measures against bullying, but has since been expanded to cover other forms of school violence, improve campus security, and address emerging threats involving students.
“Sa harap ng mga nangyayaring insidente ng karahasan at pagdiskubre ng mga patalim at baril sa bag ng ilang mga estudyante, lalo’t higit na kailangan nating madaliin ang pagsasabatas ng School Safety Act,” Aquino said.
“Umaasa tayong makatutulong ang panukalang ito para maresolba ang mga problemang nararanasan sa ating mga paaralan, gaya ng bullying at iba pang uri ng karahasan na naglalagay sa panganib sa ating mga estudyante at mga guro,” he added.
Aquino said the expanded measure includes provisions to strengthen school security, improve emergency preparedness and response, and promote the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and school personnel.
Among the proposed measures are the installation of additional CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and other security equipment; the deployment of more barangay tanods and security personnel; and regular consultations on school safety concerns and preventive measures.
“Susi rin dito ang pagtulong ng mga komunidad para mapalakas ang kaligtasan sa ating mga paaralan,” Aquino said.
The proposed School Safety Act also focuses on prevention and early intervention by strengthening anti-bullying and child protection policies, expanding access to mental health services and psychosocial support, and requiring informed parental consent for school-sanctioned activities such as educational field trips.
It also seeks to develop standardized school safety training programs for teachers, administrators, and other school personnel, while establishing clear response and recovery protocols during emergencies.
The July 9 hearing will also tackle related measures seeking to improve student safety and welfare, including bills expanding the Anti-Bullying Act, promoting digital literacy and internet safety, regulating the use of mobile devices in schools, and protecting student-athletes.