Davao City OKs anti-bullying ordinance

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Davao City Council passed on third and final reading yesterday an anti-bullying ordinance.

Seventeen members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod voted in favor of the ordinance, with two negative votes and one abstention.

Authored by Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, the ordinance was passed amid cases of bullying in schools.

The ordinance provides for the creation of an anti-bullying council to handle cases in schools and work places.

The ordinance also seeks to ensure that schools are provided counselors to assist affected students.

The ordinance was passed in coordination with the Department of Education and Philippine Mental Health Association.