If you or your child is facing repeated teasing, physical pushing, exclusion, or online harassment at school in the Philippines, the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627) requires every elementary and secondary school—public and private—to have clear policies and procedures to stop it and support those affected. This article explains exactly what counts as bullying under the law, the updated 2025 rules that strengthen how schools must respond, the practical steps you can take right now, how to escalate when needed, and what to expect in real situations faced by Filipino families and expat parents.

What Counts as Bullying Under the Anti-Bullying Act

The law defines bullying as any severe or repeated use by one or more students of written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture (or combination), directed at another student that:

Actually causes or places the victim in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to property;
Creates a hostile environment at school for the victim;
Infringes on the victim’s rights at school; or
Materially and substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of the school.

Specific examples in the law include unwanted physical contact (pushing, shoving, kicking, using objects as weapons, school pranks), acts that damage emotional well-being, slanderous statements or name-calling that cause undue distress (especially about looks, clothes, or body), and cyber-bullying through technology or electronic means.

The 2025 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (DepEd Memorandum No. 090, s. 2025) expanded the practical scope to cover a wider range of precursors and behaviors that can escalate into full bullying. It still requires proof of severity or repetition plus the negative effect on the victim or school environment. One-off mutual arguments or ordinary teasing without the required impact usually do not qualify, but repeated targeting that makes a student afraid to attend class, withdraw socially, or suffer anxiety clearly does.

The law applies to incidents on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities (on or off campus), on school buses or at bus stops, through school-owned technology, and even off-campus or personal-device cyber-bullying if it creates a hostile environment or disrupts school life. It covers both public and private elementary and secondary schools. It does not primarily govern colleges, universities, or workplaces (those fall under separate CHED guidelines or labor rules).

Legal Basis and What Schools Must Do

Republic Act No. 10627 (full text available on lawphil.net) mandates that every covered school adopt and regularly update an anti-bullying policy. The minimum requirements in Section 3 include:

Clear prohibition of bullying and retaliation (against reporters, witnesses, or anyone who provides information);
A range of disciplinary actions commensurate with the offense, plus a required rehabilitation program for the perpetrator (with parents encouraged to participate);
Procedures for reporting (including anonymous options), prompt investigation, restoring safety for the victim, protecting reporters and witnesses, and providing or referring counseling for everyone involved;
Education for students and parents on bullying dynamics and reporting mechanisms;
Maintenance of confidential records and statistics (names of involved students shared only with necessary school personnel and affected parents).

The 2025 Revised IRR strengthens this with a three-tiered response system based on severity, the creation or designation of a Learner Formation Officer in each school as a frontline handler for complaints and interventions, a standard DepEd-cascaded policy template that all schools must adopt (with room for local context), and stronger central DepEd oversight including a national record of reports. Schools must conspicuously post the policy, include it in handbooks, and educate the community. Failure to comply can lead to administrative sanctions on school personnel and, for private schools, possible suspension of permits to operate.

The school principal or designated officer (now often the Learner Formation Officer for initial handling) bears primary responsibility. Any staff member, student, parent, or volunteer who witnesses or learns of bullying must report it immediately.

Step-by-Step Practical Guide

Here is how the process typically works in Philippine schools under the current rules.

1. Document everything thoroughly

Start a dated log (notebook or phone notes) with exact dates, times, locations, what was said or done, who was present, how it affected your child (refusal to go to school, stomachaches, dropped grades, anxiety, injuries), and any witnesses or evidence. Take clear photos or screenshots immediately (include dates/times visible). Keep medical certificates if there is physical harm. This creates a pattern that supports the “repeated or severe” element and helps during investigation.

2. Report promptly to the school

For minor incidents, speak first with the teacher or go directly to the guidance office, principal, or Learner Formation Officer. For anything more serious or repeated, submit a written report (use the school’s incident form if available; otherwise a clear letter or email works). Include your documentation and request a copy of the school’s anti-bullying policy and the specific procedures they will follow.

You or your child can report anonymously, though the school cannot impose discipline based solely on an anonymous report—it needs corroboration. Anonymous reporting is explicitly allowed and encouraged under the revised rules.

Report as soon as possible—ideally within 24–48 hours of a significant incident. Verbal reports should be followed up in writing the same day for a paper trail.

3. The school investigates and responds (tiered process)

The school must investigate promptly. Under the 2025 tiered system:

Minor cases: The teacher tries immediate resolution (e.g., facilitated discussion, warning, monitoring). If unresolved, it goes to the Learner Formation Officer for coordinated intervention such as counseling, mediation, behavior contracts, or parent conferences.
More serious or repeated cases: The principal or school head leads, involves parents or guardians of both the victim and perpetrator, applies appropriate disciplinary measures (warnings, suspension, or other sanctions per the school policy), requires the perpetrator to undergo a rehabilitation program, and notifies law enforcement if criminal charges under the Revised Penal Code appear possible (e.g., physical injuries, grave threats).
In all cases, the school must restore a sense of safety for the victim, assess protection needs, protect reporters and witnesses from retaliation, and provide or refer counseling.

Parents of the victim must be notified of actions taken to prevent further incidents. The school must also notify the other school if students from multiple schools are involved.

4. Follow up in writing

After reporting, send a short follow-up message or letter asking for the investigation timeline, status update, and copy of any resolution or action taken. Keep records of all communications. This creates evidence if you later need to escalate.

5. Escalate if the school fails to act adequately

If the school ignores the report, delays unreasonably, or the resolution feels insufficient, write a formal letter or email to the Schools Division Superintendent at your DepEd Schools Division Office. Attach copies of your original report(s), all follow-ups, evidence, and the school’s responses (or lack thereof). Request an investigation or directive ordering the school to comply with RA 10627 and the IRR. You can copy the Regional Director or DepEd Central Office if needed. DepEd can impose sanctions on non-compliant administrators.

6. Consider parallel remedies for serious cases

When bullying involves physical assault, threats, or significant harm, you can (and often should) also go to the Philippine National Police—preferably the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD)—to file a blotter report. For prosecution, prepare a complaint-affidavit with your evidence and file it with the City or Provincial Prosecutor’s Office (or through the PNP). Minors follow special procedures under RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act). Severe cases may also support a civil action for damages under the Civil Code (quasi-delict or moral damages). These criminal or civil tracks run alongside, not instead of, the school process.

Common Pitfalls and Real-Life Scenarios

Many families experience schools that initially downplay incidents to protect their “record” or reputation—document everything and escalate early if this happens. Retaliation (further bullying or exclusion of the reporter) is explicitly prohibited; report it immediately as a new incident. Cyberbullying that starts at home but affects school life is covered, but gathering platform evidence (screenshots with metadata) helps. Parents sometimes delay reporting hoping it “blows over”—early action prevents escalation and strengthens your position.

Foreign or expat parents follow the exact same process; Philippine schools are accustomed to diverse families. Bring a translator if language is an issue and request meetings in writing. If you are an OFW parent, designate a local representative (with written authorization) or participate via video call for key meetings.

Power imbalances (e.g., the bully’s family is influential or a teacher’s child) do not exempt anyone—the law applies equally, and documentation plus escalation to DepEd levels the field.

Required Documents, Offices, and Timelines

Key documents to prepare:

Written incident report or school form
Dated log or timeline of events
Screenshots, photos, videos, or messages (with dates)
Witness statements (if available)
Medical certificate or psychological evaluation (if harm occurred)
Copy of school anti-bullying policy (request it)
All prior written communications with the school

Main offices involved:

School level: Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Learner Formation Officer, Principal/School Head, Child Protection Committee (where present)
Division level: DepEd Schools Division Office (Schools Division Superintendent)
Enforcement: PNP (WCPD), Prosecutor’s Office
Support: School counseling services, DepEd-referred services, or external counselors

There are usually no filing fees for the school or DepEd process. Timelines emphasize “immediate” or “prompt” action. In practice, initial investigation often aims for completion within a few days to a week for minor cases and longer (with updates) for severe ones. DepEd escalation responses vary but written follow-up helps move things forward. The perpetrator’s rehabilitation program runs alongside any discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bullying and ordinary teasing or a one-time fight?
Bullying under RA 10627 requires severity or repetition plus a specific negative effect (reasonable fear of harm, hostile school environment, or disruption of education). A single mutual argument without lasting impact usually does not qualify, but repeated targeting that causes anxiety, avoidance of school, or emotional distress does.

Does the Anti-Bullying Act cover cyberbullying done outside school hours or on personal phones?
Yes, if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringe on their rights at school, or materially disrupt the education process—even if the messages were sent from home on personal devices.

How do I report bullying if my child is afraid of retaliation?
Use the school’s anonymous reporting option if available, or have a parent or trusted adult report on their behalf. The law requires schools to protect reporters and witnesses. Report any retaliation immediately as a separate incident.

What happens to the student who bullied—do they get expelled automatically?
No automatic expulsion. The school applies disciplinary actions commensurate with the gravity of the offense plus a required rehabilitation program. Parents of the perpetrator are encouraged to participate in the program. Serious or repeated cases can lead to suspension or other sanctions.

What if the school says they investigated but nothing changes or they refuse to share details?
Request all updates and resolutions in writing. If you are unsatisfied or see continued incidents, escalate in writing to the DepEd Schools Division Office with your full documentation. Schools must maintain records and can face sanctions for non-compliance.

Can I go straight to the police or court without reporting to the school first?
For criminal acts (physical injury, grave threats, etc.), you can file directly with the PNP or Prosecutor’s Office. However, starting with the school fulfills the Anti-Bullying Act process and often resolves educational and behavioral issues faster. You can pursue both tracks at the same time.

Does the law apply to private schools and international schools?
Yes. All elementary and secondary schools, public and private (including many international schools operating in the Philippines), must adopt and implement anti-bullying policies under RA 10627 and the revised IRR.

What support is available for my child who is being bullied?
The school must provide or refer counseling. You can also seek help from private counselors, DepEd-referred services, or organizations specializing in child protection. Addressing the emotional impact early helps recovery and strengthens your documentation of harm.

Is there protection if my child is falsely accused of bullying?
Yes. The law allows disciplinary action against anyone who knowingly makes a false accusation. The accused student is entitled to due process during investigation, including the opportunity to present their side.

Key Takeaways

The Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627) and its 2025 Revised IRR give every student in elementary and secondary schools the right to a safe learning environment and require schools to maintain clear policies, reporting mechanisms, prompt investigation, and support for victims.
Start by documenting incidents thoroughly and reporting in writing to the teacher, Learner Formation Officer, guidance office, or principal—use the tiered system and request updates.
Schools must investigate promptly, protect against retaliation, notify parents appropriately, apply commensurate discipline plus rehabilitation, and refer for counseling.
If the school fails to act or the response is inadequate, escalate in writing to the DepEd Schools Division Office with your full paper trail.
For cases involving physical harm, threats, or significant distress, consider parallel action with the PNP (WCPD) or Prosecutor’s Office while continuing the school process.
Keep records of everything, follow up in writing, and seek emotional support for your child—early, well-documented action produces the best results under the law.

The process works best when families stay organized, persistent, and focused on the child’s safety and well-being. Many cases resolve at the school level once properly documented and reported; escalation to DepEd provides an effective backup when needed.