DoJ opens door to bullying complaints

Students and parents can now report bullying cases directly to the Department of Justice (DoJ), which says it is ready to provide legal assistance and intervene when schools or local authorities fail to act.

Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said complaints may be filed at the DoJ Action Center or any of the department’s eight Regional Katarungan Offices nationwide.

The DoJ said prosecutors will assess each complaint and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include filing criminal charges, facilitating mediation, or referring the case to the appropriate government agency.

Vida said the department is expanding access to its services to ensure school-related complaints receive attention even when victims believe their concerns have been ignored.

“I complained of being bullied. What is the action of the teacher and the principal? What is the action of the barangay chairman?” Vida said. “We want to open the DoJ to bullying cases.”