SENATOR JV Ejercito is pushing for a measure that seeks to strengthen the safety, welfare, and protection of student-athletes in the country following the tragic deaths of two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University.

Senate Bill No. 2269, or the proposed Student-Athletes Comprehensive Protection Act of 2026, seeks to expand the rights and protections of student-athletes by amending Republic Act No. 10676, or the Student-Athletes Protection Act.

The bill provides statutory recognition of the rights of student-athletes, ensuring safeguards are in place during practices, training sessions, and other school-sanctioned athletic activities.

“Sa ngayon, walang express provision sa batas tungkol sa student protection during practice, training, at iba pang school-sanctioned activities. Hindi sapat na iasa lang natin sa good intentions ang kaligtasan ng ating mga atleta,” Ejercito said.

“In filing this bill, we hope to strengthen accountability in the law so that the safety and welfare of student-athletes are not treated as discretionary but as a legal responsibility of schools, coaches, and athletic associations,” he added.

Under the measure, schools and athletic associations will be required to ensure every student-athlete’s right to train and compete in a safe and healthy environment, and to implement safeguards against physical, psychological, and emotional harm.

These safeguards include qualified supervision during practices and training, emergency response protocols, medical assessments, safe training environments, and policies against hazing, abuse, harassment, and retaliation.

The bill also mandates access to health care professionals who can monitor athletes’ physical condition and nutritional needs, especially during training and competitions.

Student-athletes who suffer injuries or sports-related harm arising from participation in athletic programs and competitions may also receive free or subsidized medical expense coverage under the proposed measure.

The lawmaker likewise extended his condolences to the families of the two student-athletes.

“Our prayers are with the families of Rene and Divine during this difficult time. We support a thorough and impartial investigation into this tragedy to determine what caused the incident and, more importantly, how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future,” he said.