Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, renewed his call to ban smartphones and other electronic devices during class hours in all public and private schools, alongside a proposed social media ban for minors, following a series of violent incidents in schools across the Philippines.
Recent violent incidents spark renewed action
Gatchalian's appeal came after the suspension of in-person classes at a public school in Batangas due to a shooting threat. He also cited a foiled school attack in Laguna in February involving seven students allegedly recruited by foreign handlers through the online game Roblox. Earlier this month, three students were killed and several others injured in Tacloban City after two male minors went on a shooting spree. Authorities also thwarted another alleged attack in Leyte province, and separate stabbing incidents were reported in schools in Cavite and Batangas.
Proposed legislation: Senate Bill 627
Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 627, or the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, which seeks to prohibit Kindergarten to Senior High School students from using smartphones and other electronic gadgets during school hours. The measure provides exemptions for educational purposes, including classroom presentations and other teacher-directed learning activities. It also allows the use of mobile devices for students with specific health conditions and during emergencies or situations involving a perceived threat or danger.
Concern over nihilistic violent extremism
Gatchalian expressed concern over the rise of nihilistic violent extremism creeping into social media and gaming platforms, often beyond the awareness of parents and teachers. He emphasized that the ban aims not only to ensure student safety but also to help students focus on their studies. "Maliban sa pagtiyak sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral, isinusulong din natin ang smartphone ban sa mga paaralan upang matiyak nating nakatutok sila sa pag-aaral at hindi sila naaabala (Aside from ensuring student safety, we are also pushing for the smartphone ban in schools to make sure they focus on their studies and are not distracted)," Gatchalian said.
