ACT Teachers Party-list Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio condemned the alleged assault on a 55-year-old public school teacher by two high school students in Maco, Davao de Oro, as he renewed his call for the immediate passage of the proposed Teacher Protection Bill.

Tinio described the July 27 incident as a serious reminder of the need to strengthen legal safeguards for teachers and provide schools with stronger support systems.

Based on reports cited by the lawmaker, the teacher was allegedly attacked and punched by two siblings after reprimanding them for violating a school policy.

Tinio said the incident highlights what he described as the lack of sufficient protection and authority given to teachers in enforcing discipline inside schools.

While recognizing the importance of the Child Protection Policy, Tinio said its implementation must be balanced to ensure that teachers are not left vulnerable while carrying out their responsibilities.

He stressed that the incident should not be treated as an isolated case, but rather as an indication of the shortage of psychosocial support services and guidance counselors in public schools.

The ACT Teachers representative said the students involved should face appropriate disciplinary action, along with guidance and intervention programs to address their behavior.

He added that the incident underscores the urgent need to pass the proposed Teacher Protection Bill, of which he is one of the principal authors under House Bill No. 437.

According to Tinio, the measure seeks to strengthen the authority and protection of teachers in performing their role in loco parentis, allowing them to exercise discipline with proper guidance and legal safeguards.

Tinio also urged the Department of Education and local authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent similar cases in the future.

“Our teachers deserve a safe working environment, and they need the full backing of the State to carry out their duties without fear of being physically assaulted by their own students,” Tinio said.