CALOOCAN City 2nd District Representative Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy urged the Committee on Basic Education of the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the implementation of Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 in elementary and secondary schools.

In her House Resolution 342, Uy said there is a need to re-examine the law especially the definition of bullying. She also wants to review the proper procedure in dealing and responding to cases of bullying, the leniency of the rules and regulations regarding the disciplinary and punitive measures for offenders and the improvement of assistance and protection to victims and witnesses.

The lawmaker said in her resolution that there is also a need to empower all stakeholders who are tasked to combat bullying given the pervasive and recurring incidents of violence, intimidation and harassment in schools.

Uy stresed that remedial measures must be reviewed and continuously improved to effectively implement policies and programs to protect the children.

Data showed that in 2013, the number of bullying cases in elementary and high school in both private and public schools was 5,236. This number rose to 6,363 during the School Year 2013-2014 and further skyrocketed to 29,723 in 2015-2016. It slightly decreased to 19,672 cases in school year 2016-2017.

The lawmaker said a crucial factor identified with the rise and escalation of cases is the increasing and broad access of children to internet services and use of cellphones and other forms of information and communication technologies.