ACT Representative: Angara Bill vs. 'Bully Teachers' Unnecessary

Senator Sonny Angara's bill versus 'bully' teachers and school personnel may be unnecessary according to ACT Representative, because it is already redundant with the existing laws protecting pupils/students from abuses in school.

Rep. Antonio Tinio, ACT Reresentative
Image Credit: GMA News

Rep. Antonio Tinio, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Representative, said on Friday that there are already more than enough laws and policies in place which condemn child abuse in the school environment, including bullying.

Just recently, Sen. Angara had filed a bill that will amend Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 to punish teachers “who bully students by humiliating and punishing them in front of the class.”

As he represents teachers in Congress, Tinio cited that teachers and school employees are already bounded by Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

In an interview with GMA News Online, ACT representative said: “Among other things, it prohibits child abuse, which includes in its definition 'any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being,' and which carries a penalty of six years in prison for teachers and employees in the private sector but provides for 12 years in prison in the case of public school teachers".

House Bill 5735 or the “Student Discipline and Teacher Protection Act"


As a representative for teachers in the congress, Tinio introduced HB 5735 or "Student Discipline and Teacher Protection Act".

Instead of penalizing teachers and school personnel, HB 5735 mandates DepEd to provide training for educators on child behavior and psychology, classroom management techniques, positive discipline, among others.

In addition, Tinio's bill seeks to provide teachers and school personnel legal assistance and representation by counsel and union or association representatives in cases related to student discipline and classroom management.

Download House Bill 5735 >>>click this link

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