Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday condemned the recent fatal stabbing of two Grade 8 students in Las Piñas, calling it a “clear sign of a crisis” in the nation’s approach to youth development and discipline.
“When violence becomes the language of our youth, we must confront the hard truth: we are failing in our duty to raise a generation grounded in discipline and respect,” he said.
The students were reportedly attacked and killed by three fellow learners just outside their school, in what authorities are treating as a case of youth-on-youth violence.
Gatchalian emphasized the need to bring the perpetrators to justice, while also addressing the root causes of youth aggression.
He pointed to the effective implementation of the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education Act as one available solution to combat growing behavioral issues among students.
The law, signed in 2020, mandates the inclusion of GMRC and values education in the K-12 curriculum for both public and private schools.
“We cannot wait for more student deaths before we implement the interventions available to us,” he said.
“LGUs (local government units) should be mobilized now to implement the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program to shape our learners to be good and responsible citizens,” he added.
The PES Program, managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, equips parents with knowledge and skills to guide their children in becoming responsible citizens.
Gatchalian said young victims of violence must be given support, and that schools, parents, and government agencies must work together to restore order and respect among learners.
“Those who need to act must act. Those who must be held accountable must be held accountable,” he added.