Solons move to criminalize bullying of poor and oppressed people

BULLYING marginalized, oppressed and powerless (MOP) people may soon be declared a criminal act punishable with imprisonment and a fine.

AKO Bicol Party-list Reps. Christopher Co, Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin, Jr. filed House Bill 6386 seeking to stop such offensive and discriminatory acts against children, women and indigenous peoples.

"This bill will strengthen the constitutional provision that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights," Co said.

Co said the people who belong to the MOPs like children, women, religious minorities, the indigenous peoples, among others, are still subject to the physical and verbal abuses of those "who are close-minded and discriminatory against them."

"No one has yet been prosecuted for these constitutionally offensive acts," Co said.

Under the bill, violators face a jail term of 30 days to six months and a fine of not more than P100,000.

MOP bullying shall refer to any severe or repeated use by one or more persons of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another person because of his race, ethnic origin, religion, or religious affiliation or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, social status, age, looks, or political beliefs.

The bill provides that when the offender is a corporation or association, the officer or employee responsible for the violation shall suffer the penalty imposed in its maximum period.

Likewise, the maximum penalty is imposed when the perpetrator is an ascendant, parent, guardian, stepparent or collateral relative within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity of the victim, or is the manager or owner of an establishment which has no license to operate or whose license has expired or has been previously revoked.

The Commission on Human Rights, in coordination with concerned agencies and organizations, shall have the duty to prevent or deter the commission of acts of MOP-bullying and to provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts that violate the provisions of the proposed statute.

The bill also provides for administrative proceedings and sanctions for violations committed by public officers. The measure also provides for reparation for victims including restitution, compensation, and rehabilitation. (Dionisio P. Tubianosa, Media Relations Service)