Teacher groups divided on ‘positive discipline’ bill

MANILA, Philippines — Teacher groups are divided on the proposed legislation that prohibits corporal punishment and promotes positive discipline of children.

While positive discipline is good, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said a new law is no longer necessary since there are existing laws and policies that provide similar objectives.

The group issued the statement even as another teacher organization, the Positive Discipline Advocates of the Philippines (PDAP), called for the passage of the law.

PDAP founder Zaida Padullo, a high school principal, stressed the importance of promoting the positive approach in helping and supporting students who are going through struggles. 

“If a student is treated aggressively, the student would rebel. But if treated with empathy, compassion and understanding, they would open up and unload their real problems,” she said.

“Inflicting violence on children as a form of discipline should no longer be tolerated in our homes and in our schools. There needs to be a law that protects children from being harmed by their parents or teachers. This should no longer be a domestic issue within the family where no one can intervene, but rather an issue of children’s rights,” she added.

TDC chairman Benjo Basas, however, said there is no need for a new law that would prohibit corporal punishment as it is already prohibited, citing the anti-child abuse law and the child protection policy of the Department of Education.