Bacolod solon urges review of school safety policies

BACOLOD CITY — House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Thursday announced that he is filing a House resolution seeking an inquiry into the accountability of educational institutions following a series of tragic incidents involving students.

The proposed investigation will examine the recent deaths of Ateneo student-athletes, as well as separate incidents of violence involving students in Tacloban City and Cavite.

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Benitez said the inquiry aims to identify gaps in existing laws, strengthen safeguards for students and their families, and ensure that schools uphold the highest standards of safety, accountability, and responsibility.

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“No parent should worry that their child is unsafe, unprotected, or could become a victim of violence or abuse while under the care of a school,” Benitez said.

He stressed that Congress must determine whether existing laws sufficiently define and enforce the accountability of educational institutions when serious incidents occur, to strengthen protections for both students and school personnel.

Meanwhile, Benitez said he had received reports that some students in Bacolod City were allegedly barred from attending their graduation rites because payments made directly to a school principal 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,” he added./coa

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