House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced on Thursday, June 25, that he is filing a resolution to investigate the potential liabilities of schools following recent tragic incidents involving students.
The proposed investigation will specifically focus on cases involving the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes, as well as separate acts of violence involving students in Tacloban and Cavite.
Benitez said the primary objective of the resolution is to identify gaps in existing laws, strengthen safeguards for students and their families, and ensure that educational institutions uphold the highest standards of safety, integrity, and responsibility.
Benitez emphasized the need for absolute peace of mind for families when sending their children to school.
“No parent should worry that their child is unsafe, unprotected, or could become a victim of violence and abuse while under the care of a school,” Benitez stated.
The lawmaker stressed that it is time to review whether current Philippine laws adequately define and enforce the accountability of educational institutions when such critical incidents occur, aiming to strengthen protections for both students and school personnel.
Meanwhile, Benitez said he has received information that some students in Bacolod City were reportedly not allowed to attend graduation due to issues involving the payment of their fees directly to the principal, which allegedly were not properly remitted to the school.
“I will look into this immediately,” Benitez said.
“The school cannot simply wash its hands of this situation if these reports are proven true,” headed.*
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