By Politiko staff
Schools must temporarily enforce tighter security measures to rebuild the confidence of parents, teachers, and students following the tragic shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said.
Speaking on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s On Point hosted by Pinky Webb, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chair emphasized that a temporary surge in campus security is essential to reassure the academic community.
“The way I see it, for now we need it, why? Because we have to restore confidence to our parents, teaching, non-teaching, students that our schools are safe,” Romulo said.
“And I think once they see that the protocols are strict… kahit papaano ‘yung confidence in going back to the physical school will be restored,” the lawmaker added.
However, the solon clarified that heightened security protocols—such as mandatory bag inspections at school gates—should only serve as a stopgap measure rather than a permanent policy, warning that over-militarizing campuses could ruin the learning environment.
“We don’t want that for life. I mean a school is supposed to be a safe place for learning wherein you enjoy going there,” Romulo noted.
“Because it gives the wrong impression, you’re going into school and then your bags are being checked. But now we have to do that because we have to restore confidence, but I don’t think we should have this as a long-term solution,” he added.
For sustainable, long-term school safety, Romulo urged stronger inter-agency coordination among the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
