I. Introduction

Verbal abuse against minors—commonly manifested through shouting, name-calling, belittling, threats, humiliation, constant criticism, gaslighting, and public shaming—constitutes psychological violence and is explicitly recognized as a form of child abuse under Philippine law. While it leaves no physical marks, its long-term effects on a child’s mental health, self-esteem, and development are often more severe and lasting than physical injuries.

The Philippines has one of the most protective legal frameworks in Asia for children. Verbal abuse committed by parents, guardians, teachers, relatives, strangers, or peers is punishable under multiple overlapping laws, primarily Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), as amended, Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), and Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013).

II. Legal Definition of Verbal Abuse Against Minors

Under Section 3(b) of RA 7610, child abuse includes:

“(2) Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the child as a human being;
(3) Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival…
(4) Failure to immediately give medical treatment…
(5) Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment.”

The Supreme Court has consistently ruled (e.g., People v. Larin, G.R. No. 128777, 1999; Bongalon v. People, G.R. No. 169533, 2013, as clarified in subsequent cases) that acts or words that vilify, humiliate, or inflict emotional harm on a child constitute child abuse even without physical contact.

RA 9262, Section 5(i) explicitly includes within “violence against children”:

“causing mental or emotional suffering of the child-victim through… verbal and emotional abuse, including but not limited to repeated verbal abuse, ridicule, intimidation, or withholding of affection or support.”

RA 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act) covers verbal bullying in schools, including name-calling, mocking, teasing, spreading rumors, and cyberbullying that causes substantial emotional distress.

III. Punishable Acts (Non-Exhaustive List)

Repeatedly calling a child “walang kwenta,” “bobo,” “pangit,” “abnormal,” or similar derogatory terms
Public humiliation (e.g., shaming in front of classmates or relatives)
Threats of abandonment (“Aalis na ako, bahala ka sa buhay mo”)
Gaslighting (“Hindi totoo yan, gawa-gawa mo lang yan”)
Constant comparison with siblings or other children
Cursing or using profane language directed at the child
Mocking the child’s appearance, disability, academic performance, or sexuality
Cyberbullying via social media or messaging apps

All these are punishable even if done only once, provided they cause or are likely to cause mental or emotional suffering.

IV. Criminal Liability and Penalties

RA 7610 (Child Abuse Proper)
- Penalty: Prisión mayor in its minimum period (6 years and 1 day to 8 years) for simple child abuse
- If committed by a parent/guardian with abuse of authority or habitual: Prisión mayor in its medium period (8 years and 1 day to 10 years)
- If the victim is below 12 years old: Reclusion temporal medium (14 years, 8 months, 1 day to 17 years, 4 months)
- Fine: Not less than ₱50,000
RA 9262 (Psychological Violence)
- Penalty: Prisión mayor (6 years and 1 day to 12 years)
- Mandatory psychological counseling for the offender
- Permanent protection order may be issued
RA 10627 (School Bullying)
- First offense: Written reprimand + community service
- Second offense: Suspension
- Third offense: Expulsion (private schools) or non-readmission (public schools)
- Criminal liability under RA 7610 or RA 9262 may be simultaneously pursued
Revised Penal Code (Supplementary Charges)
- Grave threats (Art. 282): Reclusion perpetua if threat to kill
- Light threats (Art. 283): Arresto mayor
- Unjust vexation (Art. 287): Arresto menor or fine
- Oral defamation/grave slander (Arts. 353–358): If the verbal abuse constitutes slander
RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act)
- Cyber-libel or online child abuse: Penalty one degree higher than the base offense

V. Who Can Be Held Liable

Parents, step-parents, adoptive parents
Guardians, persons exercising substitute parental authority
Teachers, school administrators, coaches
Relatives (uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins)
Household helpers, drivers, yaya
Strangers or peers
School personnel who fail to act on reported bullying (administrative liability)

Parental authority is NOT a defense. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the State’s interest in protecting children prevails over parental rights when abuse is present.

VI. Legal Remedies Available to the Child-Victim

Criminal prosecution (instituted by the State)
Civil action for damages (moral, exemplary, actual) – may be filed independently or reserved
Protection Orders
- Barangay Protection Order (BPO) – valid 15 days
- Temporary Protection Order (TPO) – valid 30 days
- Permanent Protection Order (PPO) – valid indefinitely
Administrative complaints against teachers (DepEd), government employees (CSC), or licensed professionals (PRC)
Claim for support pendente lite during the case

VII. Procedure for Filing Complaints

Immediate reporting options (any of the following):
- Barangay (for BPO issuance)
- Nearest police station (Women and Children Protection Desk)
- DSWD or Local Social Welfare and Development Office
- Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) – free legal assistance
- Prosecutor’s Office (direct filing)
- School principal/guidance counselor (for bullying)
Evidence required (any or all):
- Medico-legal/psychological evaluation report (from DSWD-accredited psychologist or hospital)
- Screenshots, recordings, voice messages
- Witness testimonies (classmates, relatives, teachers)
- Journal or diary entries of the child
- Guidance counselor reports

No medical certificate is required for psychological abuse under RA 9262 and RA 7610 as amended by jurisprudence.

Inquest or preliminary investigation → Filing of Information in court → Trial → Judgment

Cases involving minors are handled in Family Courts and are confidential. The child’s identity is protected under RA 7610 and the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness (A.M. No. 004-07-SC).

VIII. Key Supreme Court Rulings on Verbal/Psychological Abuse

Bongalon v. People (G.R. No. 169533, March 20, 2013) – Even a single act of hitting or shouting that humiliates a child constitutes child abuse
People v. Cacayuran (G.R. No. 233291, July 8, 2019) – Psychological violence under RA 9262 does not require physical injury
AAA v. BBB (G.R. No. 212448, January 11, 2021) – Repeated belittling and cursing in front of the children constitutes psychological violence
Dinamling v. People (G.R. No. 199522, June 22, 2015) – Public humiliation of a student by a teacher is child abuse under RA 7610

IX. Support Services for Victims

DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit
Child Protection Units in DOH hospitals
Women and Children Protection Centers (WCPC) of the PNP
Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit
Private organizations: Childhope, Bantay Bata 163, Stairway Foundation

X. Prescription Periods

RA 7610 child abuse: 20 years from the commission or discovery
RA 9262 psychological violence: 10 years
Civil damages: 4 years from discovery

XI. Conclusion

Verbal abuse against children is not “just words” under Philippine law—it is a serious crime with severe penalties. The legal system provides multiple, overlapping layers of protection precisely because society recognizes that emotional scars can last a lifetime.

Parents, teachers, and adults who believe that “words cannot hurt” are dangerously mistaken and legally accountable. The State’s policy is clear: the best interest of the child is paramount, and any act that debases a child’s dignity will be met with the full force of the law.

No child in the Philippines should ever be made to feel worthless. The law stands firmly on their side.