Lapu-Lapu City is advancing a proposed ordinance to institutionalize measures against bullying in schools and the community, aiming to shield students and residents from physical, verbal, and digital harassment. Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, the principal author of the comprehensive anti-bullying ordinance, told SunStar Cebu on Sunday, July 5, 2026, that the measure extends protection beyond school grounds to cover the entire city.
Ordinance Expands Scope of Anti-Bullying Act
Cuizon emphasized that the proposal strengthens Republic Act (RA) 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, which currently focuses on school settings. “This measure does not only strengthen RA 10627 but extends anti-bullying in the community in particular and the city in general. The proposed ordinance goes beyond the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 which focuses on school setting,” Cuizon said. “Looking at RA 10627, wherein the focus is only to protect learners inside the school, there is really a need to review and expand the measure.”
The councilor noted that the draft ordinance was prepared even before a shooting incident occurred at a school in Tacloban City, underscoring the proactive stance of the city government.
Public Hearing Gathers Stakeholder Input
According to the City Information Office, a public hearing was held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, attended by representatives from schools, barangays, and government agencies. Participants provided recommendations to further refine the proposed measure before its approval. Cuizon reported positive feedback from attendees, and the Information Office stated that the ordinance aligns with Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan’s initiative to strengthen protections for safer, more inclusive, and bully-free schools and communities in Lapu-Lapu City.
Framework for Prevention, Reporting, and Sanctions
The proposed ordinance seeks to reinforce measures against physical and online bullying, adopt national policies and regulations, and establish mechanisms for prevention, reporting, intervention, and penalties for violators. It outlines a comprehensive framework that harmonizes national laws—such as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and the Safe Spaces Act—with local governance. The goal is to institutionalize a system to “prevent, respond to, and eliminate” all forms of bullying and cyberbullying through collaboration with local authorities and relevant agencies.
Mental Health Protection and Institutional Accountability
The ordinance aims to protect the mental health and dignity of all residents by providing clear pathways for victim support and institutional accountability. It mandates the establishment of an active hotline for reporting bullying incidents and requires companies within the city to create anti-bullying policies. Cuizon explained that a proposal to classify establishments based on the number of employees was among the recommendations raised during the public hearing. She clarified that the measure also covers adult-to-adult bullying in companies and other workplaces.
Prohibition in Public and Private Spaces
The proposed law also prohibits bullying in public and private places and activities, including public parks, streets, and transport terminals. This comprehensive approach ensures that protections extend to all areas of daily life within the city.
