LAWMAKERS from ACT Teachers, Gabriela Women’s Party, and Kabataan Party-list have filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to investigate the recent school shooting in Tacloban City and other violent incidents in schools, citing the need to address the systemic factors driving violence among students.

House Resolution No. 1157, introduced by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co, calls on the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the incidents.

The resolution was filed in the wake of the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which left three students dead and 13 others injured.

According to the measure, two minors enrolled in Grades 9 and 10 were identified as suspects and were later apprehended. Authorities are investigating alleged school bullying as a possible motive behind the attack.

The lawmakers stressed that the shooting was not an isolated incident, citing separate stabbing cases in Cavite during the first week of classes.

One case involved seven Grade 5 students who were stabbed by a Grade 8 student at Bethel Academy in General Trias. In another incident, a senior high school student allegedly stabbed a fellow student at Cavite National High School.

The resolution argues that school violence should not be viewed solely as a security concern but as a manifestation of deeper issues within the education system.

It cited overcrowded classrooms, shortages of teachers and school personnel, inadequate mental health services, and the lack of guidance counselors as factors that may contribute to bullying, intimidation, and violence in schools.

Citing data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), the measure noted that only around 2,000 guidance counselors currently serve an estimated 28 million students nationwide.

The resolution also referenced Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s statement that only 4,069 licensed guidance counselors were available as of 2022—far below the estimated 50,000 needed to meet global standards.

Lawmakers highlighted the provisions of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which mandates the establishment of Care Centers in public schools to provide school-based mental health services and interventions.

They also noted that the 2026 national budget includes funding for the School-Based Mental Health Program and the hiring of thousands of school counselor associates to strengthen student support systems.

Through the proposed inquiry, the authors said they hope to identify legislative measures that will not only enhance school security but also address long-standing issues affecting learner welfare, mental health, and the overall quality of public education.