MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to issue a directive requiring its local prosecution offices to accept complaints involving bullying as part of efforts to strengthen government support for victims and their families.

During a news briefing, DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said the department order is being prepared in line with Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida’s commitment to enhance the government’s response to bullying, especially with the reopening of schools.

“Schools are reopening, so the plan of the Department of Justice is to issue a department order tasking or mandating our local prosecution offices or the Department of Justice Action Center to receive complaints for bullying,” Dato said.

Under the planned directive, local prosecution offices and the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) will evaluate complaints, facilitate mediation when appropriate, or refer cases to schools, which have primary jurisdiction over bullying incidents.

Schools may also endorse complaints to the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Desk or formally docket cases when warranted.

Dato said the initiative reflects the DOJ’s commitment to protecting children’s rights under both the Philippine Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“The position of the DOJ is that anti-bullying is a commitment under the Constitution and international law, primarily the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,” he said.

“This is a serious commitment of the department, and this department order will be issued by next week.”

He said the order aims to give victims and their parents easier access to government assistance by providing an avenue for reporting incidents beyond schools.

“I just need to emphasize that this is a way for the victim and the parents to have access, that aside from the school, they have other agencies that will approach and investigate,” Dato said.