HOUSE Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan is urging Congress to review key laws and policies aimed at protecting Filipino children following the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students.

Libanan called for tighter restrictions on minors’ access to social media, a review of the country’s juvenile justice law, and immediate action to address the severe shortage of licensed guidance counselors in public schools.

The lawmaker said the June 23 tragedy should prompt policymakers to examine whether existing laws and policies remain adequate in protecting children from harmful online influences and acts of extreme violence.

Libanan said Congress, in coordination with internet regulators, should seriously study the possibility of imposing reasonable restrictions on minors’ access to social media while ensuring compliance with the Constitution and safeguarding children’s welfare.

He noted that Australia has adopted one of the world’s strictest social media laws by banning children under the age of 16 from maintaining social media accounts, adding that the Philippines should explore whether similar safeguards are appropriate.

The House Minority Leader also called for a careful review of Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, particularly the application of the concept of discernment in determining the criminal responsibility of minors involved in exceptionally grave offenses.

At the same time, Libanan stressed the need to address the country’s longstanding shortage of licensed guidance counselors, saying every public school should have access to qualified professionals who can identify behavioral issues early, provide timely intervention, and help prevent violence before it escalates.

During deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, Education Secretary Sonny Angara told lawmakers that the Department of Education needs more than 50,000 licensed guidance counselors to achieve the internationally recommended ratio of one counselor for every 250 students.

However, the country currently has only 4,069 licensed guidance counselors.

Libanan urged Congress and the Department of Education to work closely with the Commission on Higher Education in encouraging more teachers to pursue graduate degrees in guidance and counseling or psychology through scholarships, career incentives, and other support programs to help close the manpower gap.