By Gabriela Baron
“Bullying should never be condoned.”
This was the statement of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) following the remark of Senator Robinhood Padilla that students can tolerate “slight” physical bullying compared to verbal or emotional insults.
“CHR expresses concern over statements that tolerate any form of bullying. Whether physical or mental, regardless of perceived effect or lack thereof, bullying should never be condoned,” CHR said.
“[We] continue to stress that bullying is not a simple issue that only the child and their family have to face,” it added, noting that school officials and communities also need to take part in preventing and eliminating instances of bullying.
CHR also stressed that the Philippines, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has an obligation to ensure protection and care for children necessary for their well-being.
It also noted the 1987 Constitution which outlines the right of children to “special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”
“Allowing any form of degree of bullying contravenes these obligations for its long-term effects on the mental health, learning behavior, and overall development of children,” it added.
CHR also called on the senators to review the Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act to further improve the protection of rights and welfare of children.
“We urge government officials and those in position to influence to be circumspect in their statement and its possible implications to upholding the human rights of the vulnerable children,” CHR said. — ag
