SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Department of Education to fully implement the Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education Law in all public schools, emphasizing its importance as a long-term solution to bullying incidents.

During a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing, Gatchalian questioned the delay in the full rollout of the GMRC Law, which should have been implemented during the 2022–2023 school year.

He highlighted key provisions of the law, including the establishment of Child Protection Committees in schools — essential for addressing bullying and safeguarding student welfare.

Gatchalian reiterated that GMRC is designed as a separate and dedicated subject to ensure that values education, character development, and respectful behavior are given proper focus in the curriculum.

“It is clearly stated in the law that GMRC must be taught as a standalone subject because we want to ensure the proper and effective teaching of good behavior and moral values to students,” Gatchalian said.

He called on DepEd to implement the law immediately, warning that failure to act could result in further loss of life due to bullying.

“We should not have to wait for another child to die before we take this seriously,” he stressed.

While acknowledging that addressing bullying is a long-term effort, Gatchalian underscored that the GMRC Law is a crucial part of the solution.

He emphasized that instilling good manners and right conduct from an early age will help nurture more responsible and respectful Filipino citizens.

“We need to plant the seeds of respect, empathy, and proper behavior now, so that future generations can grow up in safer and more compassionate school environments,” he said.