A lawmaker is pushing for a congressional review of the implementation of school safety and student welfare measures following the recent shooting incident at a school in Tacloban City.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Representative Brian Poe filed House Resolution No. 1147, calling for an assessment of existing laws, policies, and programs designed to protect students and prevent violence in educational institutions.
The resolution seeks to determine whether current safeguards are being effectively implemented in schools and whether additional measures are needed to address threats to student safety.
Among the areas targeted for review are the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act, school emergency response protocols, mental health programs for students, and the country's juvenile justice system.
Poe emphasized that the Philippines already has laws intended to protect children, but the recent tragedy has raised concerns about whether these protections are functioning as intended at the ground level.
The lawmaker said the focus should now be on evaluating how effectively schools and relevant agencies are carrying out these measures, particularly during situations where students are most vulnerable.
The resolution also calls for an investigation into how firearms were allegedly obtained by minors involved in the incident and whether individuals responsible for securing the weapons may have failed in their duties.
The move comes amid growing public concern over school safety and youth violence following the Tacloban shooting, which has prompted renewed discussions on bullying prevention, mental health support, campus security, and access to firearms by minors.
If adopted, the resolution would pave the way for congressional inquiries aimed at identifying gaps in existing policies and recommending reforms to strengthen protections for students nationwide.
