Bullies to be penalized in Pinamungajan

Local

BULLIES have no place in Pinamungajan, Cebu.

The local government unit has passed an ordinance that penalizes any form of bullying in schools, barangays, workplaces, public places, and online platforms.

Approved on May 25 and was recently published, the “Pinamungajan Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Policy Ordinance of 2026” prohibits physical assault or intimidation, repeated verbal abuse, ridicule, humiliation, or threats.

The ordinance also seeks to prevent poublic shaming, discriminatory remarks, and harassment based on gender, appearance, disability, religion, ethnicity, or social status.

Bullying done in digital media platforms will also be penalized.

The local law prohibits posting, sharing, uploading, or distributing humiliating, false, threatening, or malicious content intended to shame, harass, or damage another person’s reputation.

Other prohibited acts are the unauthorized sharing of private photos, videos, screenshots, or personal information to ridicule or harass someone; encouraging, assisting, or promoting acts of cyberbullying; retaliating against individuals who report bullying incidents; and any similar behavior that causes emotional, psychological, physical, or reputational harm to another person.

“The Municipality recognizes that bullying and cyberbullying adversely affect the dignity, safety, emotional well-being, academic performance, mental wellness, and social development of individuals, especially minors and students,” read the ordinance authored by Councilors Lorenzo Niñal and Julius Erwin Alpas.

Schools and barangays will have key roles in enforcing the ordinance.

Schools are required to establish reporting and disciplinary procedures, assign personnel to handle complaints, conduct awareness and education programs, and provide counseling and support to victims and even offenders.

Barangays are also e tasked to help prevent and monitor bullying incidents, conduct awareness campaigns, facilitate mediation for minor cases, and refer serious incidents to the proper authorities.

First-time violators will be given a written warning and will also be required to undergo mandatory counseling or attend anti-bullying seminars, community service of at least eight hours.

Second offense will lead to a fine of P1,000 to P2,000 along with community service and mandatory participation in behavioral intervention programs.

For third and subsequent offenses, a fine of P2,500 and community service of at least 32 hours will be imposed.(MyTVCebu)