Bullying is a global problem. It happens everywhere, in schools, in workplaces, in our neighborhoods, and on the Internet as well.
Unfortunately, that bully in Ateneo is a minor. Therefore, he is instantly absolved from any criminal liability as prescribed by our juvenile justice law.
But we know that this karate champ has committed such a despicable, unprovoked violence against his defenseless schoolmates. There is reason to be concerned that he could carry on with this senseless violence in his adult life.
Understandably, there is widespread clamor to junk the law in favor of lowering the age of criminal liability because of frustration over the Pangilinan law that renders the anti-bullying law useless.
The Ateneo controversy may not be an isolated case of bullying. It may have been going on for quite some time in that premiere school on Katipunan.
One thing is certain: The same acts of violence terrorize other elementary and high school campuses nationwide.
This is why the public supports stricter and tougher laws against budding criminals and terrorists.
In one earlier survey, majority of the people favor the restoration of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime.
Similarly, Mindanaoans have favored the continued imposition of martial law in the South.
People are simply fed up with crime and the futility of current laws in preventing injustices and abuses against helpless victims.
Worse, those whom we trust to protect and to serve us are often the instigators of these injustices.
Finally, juvenile delinquency must not be tolerated in our society in any way as it breeds potential criminals.
