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TruthLine Daily, Somewhere in the, Davao City (2026)

15/09/2026

CHIZ WELCOMES SENATE’S APPROVAL OF BILL FIXING TERM OF BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday thanked his colleagues for approving on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2387, which fixes the term of office of barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to five years.

With its approval, the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) originally set for November 2026 will be moved to November 2028, and thereafter held every five years on the second Monday of November to avoid conflict with the annual observance of All Saints’ Day.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this measure that will strengthen barangay governance and give our local leaders the time they need to deliver meaningful programs,” Escudero said after the plenary vote.

The bill was passed during the chamber’s session this afternoon, with 13 affirmative votes, 5 negative vote, and zero abstention.

Among the amendments introduced during the plenary debate was the limitation of service to two consecutive five-year terms for barangay officials, instead of three, while SK officials are restricted to only one term to ensure broader youth participation and leadership turnover.

Escudero, principal author and sponsor of the measure, explained that a five‑year term provides barangay and SK officials a longer, uninterrupted period to plan, implement, and evaluate programs before the next electoral transition.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, and frontline service providers—all at a level where government interacts directly with households and families,” he said.

The veteran legislator stressed that the measure strikes a balance between continuity and democratic accountability, granting local officials ample time to complete long‑term initiatives without the constant disruption of frequent elections.

“Sa limang taong termino, mas may panahon ang ating mga opisyal na magpatupad ng mga programa at proyekto na tunay na makikinabang ang kanilang mga komunidad,” he concluded.

14/09/2026

CHIZ PUSHES FOR DIGITIZED SEA TRAVEL RECORDS TO AVOID CRISIS INFO GAPS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the rapid, nationwide rollout of the government’s maritime digital passenger manifest system after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised the possibility that the ill-fated MV June Aster may have been carrying more passengers than its official manifest recorded.

According to Escudero, the recent sea tragedy in Coron, Palawan once again exposes critical gaps in maritime safety protocols, underscoring the urgent need to real-time passenger data during emergencies.

While the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already mandated the use of digital passenger manifests to curb overloading and strengthen sea safety, Escudero observed that implementation across regional ports remains inconsistent.

“What happened to MV June Aster shows why we must accelerate and expand the rollout,” he said.

Last March, MARINA tapped Iloilo and Guimaras as pilot areas where it implemented tap‑and‑go cards that automatically generate manifests and QR‑based registration via a mobile app developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. These technologies provide port authorities and the PCG with accurate, real‑time data before any vessel leaves the pier, significantly strengthening emergency response capabilities.

The veteran legislator pointed out that several ASEAN neighbors have already adopted stricter digital manifest protocols, and the Philippines must “catch up” to prevent tragedies from being compounded by information gaps.

Among its regional neighbors, Escudero noted that Singapore and Malaysia require electronic submission of manifests before sailing, Indonesia uses QR‑based boarding systems, and Japan and South Korea mandate real‑time electronic manifests for all commercial passenger vessels.

He said the Philippines must adopt similar standards to ensure maritime safety keeps pace with regional best practices.

“Kung ang aviation ay may mahigpit na real‑time digital passenger manifest, dapat ganito rin ang pamantayan sa ating maritime sector. Sa panahon ng digital systems at real‑time reporting, hindi dapat nagkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking puwang sa impormasyon,” he said, adding that millions of Filipinos rely on inter‑island travel and deserve the same level of protection.

The senator likewise extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged government agencies and the ship’s owners to provide full assistance to relatives arriving in Palawan. He likewise called for support for survivors currently being treated in hospitals.

According to the latest PCG report, there were 132 people on board the MV June Aster as per the manifest. Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survivors have been accounted for, and 13 remain missing. Two passengers listed in the manifest did not board.

The PCG urged relatives of those still missing to coordinate with the local government of Coron and the Coast Guard to help authorities establish the actual number of unaccounted passengers and crew.

Escudero said the tragedy should lead to a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety system, including fire suppression standards under the Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations (PSSRR, 2021); crew training and certification under the Standards of Training; Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW, 1978, as adopted in RA 10635); vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act (RA 9295); and regulatory oversight by the Philippine Coast Guard Law (RA 9993).

“It has been almost five days since the incident, and the investigation must be expedited. As we grieve, we must also act. Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong trahedya na puwede namang maiwasan. Tiyakin natin ang ligtas na biyahe para sa bawat pasaherong tumatawid sa ating mga karagatan,” he said.

14/09/2026

Senator B**g Go Pushes for Stronger Grassroots Sports Programs

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Senator B**g Go is calling for stronger support for barangay leagues and other grassroots sports initiatives, saying that Filipino athletes can achieve greater success when they receive adequate support from both the government and the private sector at the community level.

Go emphasized the importance of strengthening grassroots sports as the Philippines prepares to compete again in the Asian Games in Japan. He said that one of the foundations of a strong and sustainable sports sector is providing greater support to sports leagues and programs at the barangay and community levels.

In recent weeks, several sports leagues have been launched in different communities through initiatives of Senator Go’s office in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The senator has also stressed the importance of allowing athletes to focus fully on their training without being distracted by financial concerns and other day-to-day expenses.

According to Go, providing athletes with sufficient assistance and opportunities at the grassroots level can help develop their skills and prepare them for higher-level competitions.

During his leadership of the Senate Sports Committee, the Philippines also achieved historic milestones in the Olympic Games, including winning Olympic gold medals.

Go reiterated that strengthening grassroots sports and supporting athletes from the community level can help build a stronger sports program and pave the way for more Filipino athletes to reach the international stage.

**gGo

12/09/2026

B**g Go welcomes stronger free college law, says aid must help students finish their studies

Senator Christopher “B**g” Go welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12325, which strengthens the country’s free tertiary education program by prioritizing poor and disadvantaged students and expanding government support beyond public colleges and universities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the measure on September 4, amending RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The new law tightens the targeting of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and gives top priority to qualified students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program households.

Go was among the authors and co-sponsors of Senate Bill No. 1894, the Senate measure that became part of the strengthened law. His own SBN 169, which sought to expand the coverage of the TES, was among the bills consolidated into SBN 1894.

When he co-sponsored the measure in February, Go emphasized that government educational assistance should be directed to students who need it most.

“As one of the authors, the core intention of this bill is very clear: to ensure that the Tertiary Education Subsidy allocation is granted to those students who are truly in need,” Go said during his co-sponsorship speech.

Go recalled that RA 10931 was enacted during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, making tuition and other school fees free in state universities and colleges and qualified local universities and colleges.

“Simula po nang nilagdaan ni former President Rodrigo Duterte ang Republic Act No. 10931 noong 2017, naging libre po ang tuition sa ating state universities and colleges. Naging malaking hakbang ito tungo sa pantay na oportunidad at mas magandang kinabukasan para sa kabataang Pilipino,” he said.

Go has often described education as a lasting “puhunan” that parents can give their children—something they can carry with them throughout their lives as they work toward a better future.

Under RA 12325, students from 4Ps households receive first priority for TES assistance, while remaining slots are to be allocated based on household per capita income. The law also allows subsidies to vary depending on the undergraduate program and provides additional incentives for students pursuing priority courses identified as important to national development.

The expanded law also recognizes expenses that students in certain courses incur beyond tuition. It includes internship and Related Learning Experience fees for nursing and allied health programs among costs that may be covered under the subsidy.

A new Private Education Assistance program is likewise established to support disadvantaged students taking priority programs in qualified private higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions.

Go said expanding access should ultimately help students remain in school until they obtain a degree, diploma, or technical-vocational qualification.

“Ang edukasyon ang tanging puhunan natin sa mundong ito. Kaya sisiguraduhin nating makakapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang ating mga anak upang magkaroon ng mas maginhawang kinabukasan,” Go said in an earlier co-sponsorship speech on expanding the TES program.

He stressed that free tuition alone does not eliminate all barriers faced by poor students, particularly those struggling with transportation, training requirements, learning materials, food, and other daily expenses associated with staying in school.

Go has also encountered beneficiaries whose experiences, he said, illustrate what sustained educational assistance can accomplish. Among them were CHED scholarship beneficiaries Maria Geraldine Gimao and Luisa Intia, who both completed Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees. Gimao, a mother of three, graduated cm laude, while Intia received an Academic Achiever award.

For Go, stories such as theirs demonstrate why educational assistance should help students go beyond entering college and give disadvantaged learners a better chance of staying in school until graduation.

“Maraming estudyante ang gustong makatapos at maraming magulang ang nagsasakripisyo para mapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak. Kaya kung may paraan para mabawasan natin ang kanilang pasanin at matulungan silang maabot ang pagtatapos, dapat nating gawin,” Go said.

He said the strengthened law complements his continuing education agenda, which includes measures aimed at widening access to tertiary education and preventing financial hardship from forcing students to abandon their studies.

Go also supported the enactment of RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, and RA 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, as part of efforts to remove financial barriers confronting students.

Go urged the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, UniFAST, and other implementing agencies to ensure that the expanded benefits under RA 12325 reach qualified students quickly and transparently.

He said the success of the strengthened free college law should ultimately be measured not simply by how many students enter college, but by how many disadvantaged Filipinos are able to remain enrolled and finish their education.

**gGo

09/09/2026

CHIZ: BROADER, UNIFORM DEFINITION OF INDIGENCY TO MAKE GOV’T. SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for a broader definition of indigency to grant more Filipinos access to government services, saying current standards are too narrow and fail to capture the realities faced by many households.

In his podcast “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” aired over the weekend, Escudero noted that indigency is often equated with membership in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, leaving out families who may not be income‑poor but are unable to absorb medical or litigation costs.

He pointed out that under current laws, “indigency” lacks a uniform definition, varying across the different government agencies that define it.

Barangays issue certificates of indigency in accordance with the Local Government Code, the Public Attorney’s Office aligns its threshold with the Philippine Statistics Authority metrics, while the 4Ps law relies on the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s targeting system to identify poor households.

“Indigency, therefore, should also be defined by circumstance, and not just income,” he said.

To illustrate his point, the veteran legislator said families burdened by serious illness such as leukemia may be considered “cancer‑indigent,” while those unable to shoulder litigation costs could be classified as “litigation‑indigent” to reflect real situations. Even professionals, like teachers, who may earn above the minimum wage still fall into these categories when faced with extraordinary expenses.

This restrictive framework, the senator said, excludes households who may exceed income thresholds but are incapable of absorbing litigation costs or medical bills.

“Ano ba talaga ibig sabihin ng indigency? Meaning 4Ps ka ba? Ang problema kasi sa batas natin iisa lang ibig sabihin ng indigency. Pero para sa akin iba’t iba ang level ng indigency,” Escudero said.

“Kamukha rin nito magpa-file ka ng nullity of marriage, hindi naman ganon kadaling pulutin ‘yung P200,000 to P500,000 na panggastos diyan, di ba? So, litigation-indigent siya. Pag may nagkasakit sa pamilya mo, tulad ng cancer, cancer‑indigent ‘yung pamilya mo,” he explained.

The veteran legislator said the present one-size-fits-all requirement should be revisited to recognize different classifications of indigency—a position supported by his podcast guest, litigation lawyer Maggie Garduque, who said that such classifications are possible under the Constitution’s equal protection clause.

28/08/2026

CHIZ SAYS FREE HOUSING THROUGH USUFRUCT TO BENEFIT MILLIONS OF LOW-INCOME FILIPINOS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said that millions of low-income Filipinos stand to benefit from a legislation institutionalizing free housing through usufruct, a legal arrangement that grants families the right to occupy and enjoy government land and housing without owning them.

“Through usufruct, this bill seeks to grant Filipino families the right to occupy, use, and enjoy government land and improvements for residential purposes, while ownership remains with the State,” Escudero told colleagues in his sponsorship of Senate Bill No. 2421 or the Free Housing Through Usufruct Act under Committee Report No. 79 on Wednesday.

The senator explained that only underprivileged, homeless citizens who do not own real property and have no affiliation with squatting syndicates will qualify.

“Nakalatag sa Section 5 kung sinu-sino ang maaaring makinabang sa sapat at disenteng pabahay sa ilalim ng panukalang ito: mga Pilipinong kapos sa buhay at walang sariling tahanan, walang pag-aaring real property, at hindi professional squatter o miyembro ng squatting syndicate,” Escudero said.

Each usufruct agreement, he added, will be covered by a written contract detailing rights and obligations, including maintenance of the property and payment of utilities.

The veteran legislator emphasized that the housing units are strictly for residential use and warned that occupants cannot sell, transfer, mortgage, or rent out the units to others—acts that will cancel their right to use the property and ban them from government housing program for 10 years.

SB 2421 also requires registration of usufruct contracts with the Registry of Deeds, ensuring transparency and legal protection for beneficiaries. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will monitor implementation, while local government units will manage properties and guarantee access to basic services.

According to Escudero, the bill is designed to prevent abuse while securing tenure for genuine beneficiaries. “Ang bawat usufruct agreement naman ay nakapaloob sa isang nakasulat na kontrata kung saan nakasaad ang kanilang mga karapatan at obligasyon, pati ang mga kondisyon para sa patuloy na paggamit at pakikinabang sa ari-arian.”

The senator said the concept of usufruct dates back to Roman civil law but remains relevant today as a tool to address the stubborn problem of homelessness.

“Kung ang usufruct ay ang karapatang gamitin ang isang bagay at tamasahin ang mga bunga nito, nawa’y magbunga ang panukalang ito ng sapat at disenteng pabahay para sa milyun‑milyong Pilipinong nangangailangan,” he concluded.

Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, led the measure’s passage through committee deliberations. It was presented at the plenary under Committee Report No. 79, which consolidated earlier bills filed by Senators Lito Lapid and Mark Villar and now awaits plenary debate and interpellation before moving to the period of amendments.

26/08/2026

CHIZ URGES SENATE TO PASS BILL FIXING 5-YEAR TERM FOR BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday exhorted his colleagues to act with urgency on Senate Bill No. 2387, which proposes to fix the tenure of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years instead of the current four-year term.

Delivering his sponsorship speech on the measure under Committee Report No. 77, Escudero said the Senate must act swiftly on the proposal before the end of September to ensure predictability in the conduct of the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) scheduled this November.

He noted that the filing of certificates of candidacy is already set for next month, underscoring the need for Congress to decide promptly whether the elections will proceed or be reset under the new term structure.

“Mr. President, I ask that the body act on this bill with urgency for or against it, before the end of September, given the fact that the Barangay Elections is scheduled to be conducted this November and the filing of Certificates of Candidacy are slated already in the coming month,” Escudero said.

“Although I favor this measure, I hope this body will give priority to this measure so that we can decide on it and so that there will be predictability with respect to the upcoming elections—whether indeed it will push through or will be postponed in accordance with the new term that will be approved by Congress, should it decide in its wisdom,” he added.

The veteran legislator explained that the Constitution expressly empowers Congress to determine the term of barangay officials, a policy judgment affirmed by the Supreme Court in Macalintal v. Senate. He noted that the Court recognized the need to balance continuity against accountability, and administrative efficiency against democratic change.

“That is the policy judgment which the present measure asks us to consider—whether, as a matter of policy, a five-year term provides a better governing window than the four years presently provided by law,” he stressed.

Escudero argued that a five‑year term provides a better governing window than the current four years, allowing barangay and SK officials sufficient time to organize, implement, and evaluate programs without the disruption of frequent elections.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, conciliators, and frontline service providers—all at a scale where government knows the family, the street, and often the problem by name,” he said.

He added that the proposal is not unprecedented, citing past laws, namely Republic Act No. 6653 and Republic Act No. 8524 that also prescribed five‑year terms for barangay officials. “This bill is a term‑setting measure, enacted in the exercise of the power expressly conferred upon Congress by Article X, Section 8 of the Constitution,” Escudero pointed out.

Committee Report No. 77, jointly prepared by the Committees on Local Government and Finance, has recommended the approval of SB 2387 with amendments, taking into consideration SB 2067 filed by Senator Imee Marcos.

During Monday’s hearing presided by Escudero, multi‑sectoral representatives expressed strong support for the five-year-term. The Liga ng mga Barangay, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) all backed the measure, stressing that a longer term would institutionalize stability and break the cycle of frequent postponements.

24/08/2026

CHIZ’S BILL FIXING TENURE OF BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS RECEIVES STRONG BACKING

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s proposal to fix the tenure of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years to ensure long-term stability in grassroots governance has received a multi-sectoral support during Monday’s public hearing of the Senate Sub-Committee on Local Government.

In a committee hearing presided by Escudero, representatives from the Liga ng mga Barangay, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and the National Youth Commission (NYC) expressed their strong support for the bill aimed at institutionalizing the five-year term and breaking the cycle of frequent postponement of barangay and SK polls.

“My bill does not extend. My bill fixes,” Escudero told the public hearing which was also attended by officials of the Commission on Elections and relevant government agencies, and members of civil society groups. “The natural effect will, of course, be to postpone the upcoming election, but the subject matter of this bill is fixing the term, not just postponement.”

Escudero emphasized that barangay governments, as the frontline of public service, need longer terms to sustain community development, disaster response, and peace and order programs without election disruptions.

According to NYC representative Eriven Nepomuceno, the proposed measure is a “strategic progression to ensure that local officials have sufficient time to implement meaningful community programs and improve public service delivery.”

Councilor Jose Maria Rodriguez, who represented the Liga ng mga Barangay, said they “respectfully manifests its position in favor of a consolidated measure fixing the term of office of elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan at five years and establishing a definite election schedule corresponding to that term.”

Senate Bill 2387 reiterates existing term‑limit rules: barangay officials may serve up to three consecutive terms, while SK officials are restricted to only one term. Those already on their third consecutive term cannot run in the November 2028 elections.

According to Escudero, counting existing terms ensures fairness, preventing incumbents from benefiting from an outright extension.

The hearing agenda also included SB 2067 filed by Senator Imee Marcos, which seeks to postpone the November 2026 Barangay and SK elections to October 2027, citing economic and logistical constraints.

Escudero directed the committee secretariat to draft a report reflecting the amendments and resource persons’ inputs, which is expected to be completed this week for deliberation in the plenary.

“Subject to the amendments proposed by the parties which we shall consider—including the decoupling, the COMELEC’s points on appropriations and the election date, as well as the position of PPCRV and NAMFREL that elections proceed as scheduled with the five‑year term to begin thereafter—we shall reflect these in the committee report,” he concluded.

20/08/2026

‘Schools must remain zones of peace and learning’: B**g Go files Safe Schools and Violence Prevention bill

"No parent should have to bury their child."

These were the words uttered by Senator Christopher “B**g” Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, as he addressed the chamber's plenary on Wednesday, August 19, visibly affected by the latest shooting incident involving young learners a day before.

Speaking after he filed Senate Bill No. 2413, or the Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework to protect students, teachers, and school personnel from violence and other threats to their safety, the senator stressed that schools must remain “zones of peace and learning."

“Gaya ng paulit-ulit kong sinasabi: ang mga paaralan ay dapat manatiling zones of peace and learning. Ipinagkakatiwala ng mga magulang ang kanilang mga anak sa mga g**o at pamunuan ng paaralan dahil naniniwala sila na ligtas at inaalagaan ang kanilang mga anak. Hindi kailanman dapat mabahiran ng takot at karahasan ang mga institusyong ito,” Go said.

The lawmaker made the call following recent incidents of violence in Philippine schools, including the shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University high school campus and an earlier shooting in Tacloban City, which he said underscore the need to examine school safety from a broader perspective.

Go expressed his condolences to the families of those who died and those injured in the Zamboanga incident.

“Bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Youth at isang Mindanaoan po, ako po’y nasasaktan sa mga nangyayari. Itong pangyayaring ito ay nangyari lang po recently sa Tacloban City at ngayon naman po sa Mindanao, sa Zamboanga,” he said.

The senator called for an immediate, thorough, and comprehensive investigation into the Zamboanga City incident, particularly how the fi***rm entered the school and how a minor gained access to it.

At the same time, he said the series of violent incidents in schools requires government to examine the wider conditions affecting young people and educational institutions.

“Ano na po ba ang nangyayari sa loob ng ating mga paaralan? Ano na po ba ang kinahaharap ng ating mga estudyante at kabataan? Sunod-sunod na po ito at nangangailangan nang tingnan mula sa isang mas malawak na perspektiba,” he said.

Go emphasized that school violence should not be approached solely as a peace and order concern.

He clarified through the broader policy approach that mental health support forms only one part of a comprehensive school safety system, together with violence prevention, child protection, physical security, emergency preparedness, responsible reporting, medical response, and coordination among government agencies.

Under SBN 2413, educational institutions would be covered by a National Safe Schools Framework built around prevention, protection, preparedness, response, and recovery.

The proposed measure covers public and private basic education schools, higher education institutions, and technical-vocational institutions. It calls for nationally consistent but risk-based safety standards while requiring schools to account for their particular locations, facilities, student populations, and identified hazards.

Every educational institution would be required to prepare and regularly update a School Safety and Emergency Preparedness Plan and conduct at least one comprehensive safety risk assessment every school year.

Under the bill, the multidisciplinary teams may include school administrators, guidance counselors or qualified mental health professionals, child protection officers, teachers, health personnel, social workers, security personnel, and, when warranted, representatives from law enforcement.

The proposal expressly provides that threat assessments must be based on objective behavior and context and cannot rely solely on a student’s mental health diagnosis, disability, social background, beliefs, or other protected characteristics.

The senator has separately filed SBN 176, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in all public higher education institutions to provide counseling services, trained mental health professionals, and round-the-clock mental health hotlines for students.

The Safe Schools and Violence Prevention bill would also establish confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms through which students, parents, teachers, personnel, and community members can report credible threats, planned attacks, weapons, severe bullying, online threats, serious self-harm risks, and other major safety concerns.

For serious incidents, the measure lays down duties involving emergency medical attention, immediate protection of victims, prompt parent or guardian notification, preservation of evidence, referral to appropriate authorities, and post-incident review.

It likewise proposes stronger coordination among schools, local government units, police, firefighters, health authorities, social welfare offices, disaster response agencies, parents, and communities.

Go said government should also assess measures to improve security around schools while ensuring that any response respects academic freedom and the rights of learners.

“Sa usapin naman po ng peace and order, I would like to reiterate that the government should also explore whether there is a need for a more visible police and law enforcement presence in our schools,” he said.

“Keeping in mind that any security measure must fully respect and uphold academic freedom, while ensuring that our schools remain safe spaces,” he added.

The bill similarly adopts a rights-based approach. It explicitly prohibits indiscriminate surveillance, profiling, stigmatization, or punitive treatment based solely on mental health conditions, disability, family circumstances, social status, political beliefs, and other protected characteristics.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go also encouraged young Filipinos to participate in sports and other constructive activities that promote physical health, discipline, teamwork, and positive youth development.

“Mas mabuti pa po na engganyuhin na lang natin ang mga kabataan na mag-focus at mag-participate sa sports. Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he said.

Ultimately, Go said protecting learners requires government, schools, families, and communities to act before another tragedy occurs.

“Gawin na po natin lahat ngayon, Mr. President. Huwag na nating antayin na maulit na naman po itong mga insidenteng ito,” he appealed.

“Our schools must be places where children feel safe, protected, and free to learn—not places where they have to fear for their lives,” Go concluded.

**gGo

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