The Department of Education (DepEd) updated an enhanced law about anti-bullying in school, aiming to protect students and create a safer learning environment.

This is after DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara signed the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, on Monday, August 4.

Angara emphasized that studies have proven bullying can make a student skip classes, and other effects that hinder students to learn.

DepEd has requested the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which they have agreed to receive bullying complaints through the emergency hotline, 911.

The updated rules expand the scope of bullying beyond just physical or verbal acts. The DepEd Central Office will now officially oversee all anti-bullying initiatives and maintain a centralized record of reported cases to help enhance existing policies.

Under the IRR, all public and private schools are required to implement a standard anti-bullying policy, which will be distributed by the DepEd Central Office. Schools may adjust these policies to fit their specific social contexts.

Part of the new implemented rules is to appoint a Learner Formation Officer who will act as the first responder and handler of complaints. Schools will then be required to introduce a three-level system for addressing bullying, depending on the severity of offenses. Moreover, the Learner Formation Officer will be the one to handle the minor cases not resolved by the teachers.

School districts are also required to establish their own anti-bullying policies, particularly in under-resourced areas.

There will be a sanction for non-compliance with the anti-bullying policy for both public and private schools.