Alfred Vargas backs Bam Aquino’s Zero-Bullying push, calls for stronger action in schools

Quezon City Fifth District Councilor and actor Alfred Vargas has expressed support for Senator Bam Aquino’s zero-bullying policy push in schools.

In a photo he shared on Facebook last Tuesday, March 31, Vargas , 46, is seen meeting with Aquino, 48, whom he described as a friend and long-time ally in public service. His caption read, “Hindi lang teacher ang may responsibilidad. Sabi nga ni Sen. Bam sa kanyang mga nakaraang speech, ang laban sa bullying ay nagsisimula sa tahanan.”

He also shared a message from his City Council speech, emphasizing, “Ang pananahimik sa gitna ng pang-aabuso ay pakiki-pagsabwatan sa nang-aapi... Kapag ikaw, yung anak mo hinahayaan mo mambully, ikaw talaga ang totoong bully.”

He underscored the importance of parents being active partners, saying, “Hindi pwedeng ‘sa school lang 'yan.’ Dapat may open communication sa anak para ma-detect agad kung sila ba ay biktima o, mas mahalaga, kung sila ba ang nagiging bully."

He ended by calling, “Let's work together to protect our children's mental health.”

Aquino also shared insights from their discussion, noting, “Napag-usapan namin ang lumalalang kaso ng bullying sa bansa at ang pangangailangang mas maprotektahan ang ating mga estudyante sa loob ng paaralan. Ibinahagi ko rin ang aking panukalang Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, na naglalayong pabilisin ang pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan upang mabawasan ang classroom shortage at masigurong may ligtas at maayos na lugar ang bawat bata para matuto.”

He assured Vargas that Quezon City will have a Senate ally in advancing education programs. The senator added, “Naniniwala ako na sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan at tuloy-tuloy na pag-uusap, mas mapapalakas natin ang mga hakbang para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kabataan at ng kinabukasan ng ating bansa.”

Earlier, Vargas called for a full review of and an amendment to Quezon City’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance due to the rising number of cases in schools. He also coordinated with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to look into incidents involving students with disabilities.

His push comes after an incident involving a student with a disability who reportedly died after repeated bullying. Vargas said the goal is to hear all sides and ensure accountability. He emphasized that schools must be safe spaces and that bullying—whether in public or private institutions—requires stronger intervention from the local government.