SENATOR Bam Aquino on Monday called for the immediate passage of the proposed School Safety Act, saying the recent school shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that go beyond campus security.

In his manifestation during the Senate session, Aquino said he is ready to sponsor the bill on Wednesday, describing it as a priority measure despite not being included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) agenda.

Aquino said his recent visit to Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where a fatal school shooting occurred on August 18, reinforced the need for a community-based approach to preventing violence in schools.

He noted that while the school had 26 security guards, the tragedy still occurred, showing that security personnel alone cannot eliminate the risk of violence.

The proposed School Safety Act seeks to establish a School Safety Framework that would require every locality to develop community-driven safety protocols involving parents, teachers, student leaders, religious groups and local officials.

Aquino said the measure also emphasizes early intervention by training educators and student leaders to recognize signs of emotional or behavioral distress among learners.

The senator also backed efforts to educate parents on the use of parental controls to limit children’s exposure to violent and inappropriate online content, alongside pending bills that would restrict minors’ access to social media.

He added that reforms on firearm accountability, online child protection, school safety and mental health should advance together, stressing that protecting students requires both legislation and adequate government funding.

Aquino expressed hope that senators would unite behind the School Safety Act and other related measures to strengthen school safety nationwide.