Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. The incident, which occurred recently, has raised concerns about the adequacy of existing policies and protocols for school-organized events.
Resolution Aims to Assess Safety Protocols
According to Padilla, it is crucial to evaluate whether current policies, supervision requirements, emergency preparedness measures, and risk management protocols are sufficient to ensure the safety of students participating in school-organized activities. The proposed resolution calls on the appropriate Senate committee to conduct a motu proprio inquiry to determine the full circumstances and identify any laws that need amendment or enforcement to strengthen student protection.
Focus on Truth and Reforms
The senator emphasized that the investigation is not intended to immediately pinpoint responsibility but to uncover the truth and ensure that reforms are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. Padilla personally visited the wake of Rene Clert Baterbonia to express condolences to his family, and he also joined the grieving family of Divine Adili in mourning.
Padilla stressed the need to review existing standards for risk assessment, supervision, emergency preparedness, and crisis response mechanisms for school-organized activities, especially those involving outdoor, athletic, and other high-risk programs. He expressed hope that the investigation will serve as a means to identify weaknesses in the current system and develop stronger safeguards for the safety of Filipino students.
