SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian underscored the legal responsibility of parents following recent violent incidents involving minors in schools, particularly the stabbing of a Grade 8 student.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, warned that under the Civil Code, parents could be held liable for their children’s actions.

“Parents should not think they have no responsibility. They can be sued and fined if their child commits a crime,” he said in an interview with DWIZ.

He also urged schools to implement stricter measures to prevent students from bringing deadly weapons onto campuses.

The senator noted an increase in gang-related violence in schools, particularly in Valenzuela City.

“Discipline should not only come from the government and schools but also from parents,” he stressed. “Parents must take responsibility for their children’s actions. They should be stricter in disciplining them, or they could face legal consequences.”