SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday urged all schools to immediately enforce stricter anti-bullying protocols following the release of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

He emphasized the urgency of ending the Philippines’ alarming reputation as a global hotspot for bullying, particularly in schools.

“We will no longer allow the Philippines to remain the ‘bullying capital of the world.’ With the revised IRR now signed, schools must enforce stronger anti-bullying measures without delay,” Gatchalian said.

The updated IRR strengthens mechanisms for identifying, reporting, and addressing all forms of bullying in both public and private basic education institutions.

Gatchalian, a staunch advocate of child protection and education reform, stressed that anti-bullying efforts must align with mental health initiatives under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which he also authored.

“These efforts must go hand in hand with school-based mental health programs, the establishment of care centers in every school, and the presence of licensed school counselors nationwide,” he said.

“No child should feel unsafe or fearful in school. Walang batang dapat matakot pumasok sa paaralan. Our schools should be safe havens—places of dreams and hope,” he added.

The revised IRR mandates schools to adopt proactive and comprehensive measures against bullying, including cyberbullying and gender-based harassment. It also outlines clearer procedures for investigations, interventions, and disciplinary action.

As bullying cases remain prevalent nationwide, Gatchalian called on school officials to fully comply and be held accountable.

He also announced a Senate hearing to monitor the IRR’s implementation and evaluate schools’ readiness to adopt enhanced anti-bullying protocols alongside mental health support systems.