Revilla files bill seeking to ban bullying in the workplace
Published Dec 27, 2019 12:00 am
By Vanne Elaine TerrazolaÂ
A measure proposing to require government and non-government offices to implement anti-bullying policies has been filed in Senate.
Sen. Bong Revilla Jr.
(Senate of the Philippines / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN) Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. recently filed Senate Bill No. 1217, seeking to ban bullying in the workplace and mandate public and private offices to impose sanctions on those who commit such act of any form, including cyberbullying. In pushing for his proposal, Revilla said bullying not only affects the physical, mental and emotional health but could also cause long-term career problems to a person. "Bullying in the workplace is often ignored and overlooked by both employers and co-employees, but its consequences are not only on victim's emotional health but it also affects his productivity and morale," he explained in his bill. The bill defines office bullying as "any severe or repeated use by one or more employees of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at an employer, co-employee, or any person with whom he/she has professional relations or dealings that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property; creating a hostile work environment for the employer, co-employee, or any person with whom he/she has professional relations or dealing; infringing on the rights of another work premises; or materially and substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the office." Under the bill, all government and non-government offices, and business establishments, shall adopt policies to address bullying in their respective institutions. The policies should include prohibition abusive behavior, slanderous statements or accusations, cyberbullying, and similar acts; and clear procedures and strategies to report and penalize such acts. If signed into law, the offices shall formulate and submit to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) their anti-bullying policies. The DOLE and the CSC shall prescribe administrative sanctions for non-compliance with the measure. In addition, erring non-government offices and business establishments may also suffer the penalty of suspension of their permits to operate. "This bill seeks to achieve a more peaceful and tranquil professional environment towards a more productive economy," Revilla said.
Sen. Bong Revilla Jr.(Senate of the Philippines / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN) Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. recently filed Senate Bill No. 1217, seeking to ban bullying in the workplace and mandate public and private offices to impose sanctions on those who commit such act of any form, including cyberbullying. In pushing for his proposal, Revilla said bullying not only affects the physical, mental and emotional health but could also cause long-term career problems to a person. "Bullying in the workplace is often ignored and overlooked by both employers and co-employees, but its consequences are not only on victim's emotional health but it also affects his productivity and morale," he explained in his bill. The bill defines office bullying as "any severe or repeated use by one or more employees of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at an employer, co-employee, or any person with whom he/she has professional relations or dealings that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property; creating a hostile work environment for the employer, co-employee, or any person with whom he/she has professional relations or dealing; infringing on the rights of another work premises; or materially and substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the office." Under the bill, all government and non-government offices, and business establishments, shall adopt policies to address bullying in their respective institutions. The policies should include prohibition abusive behavior, slanderous statements or accusations, cyberbullying, and similar acts; and clear procedures and strategies to report and penalize such acts. If signed into law, the offices shall formulate and submit to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) their anti-bullying policies. The DOLE and the CSC shall prescribe administrative sanctions for non-compliance with the measure. In addition, erring non-government offices and business establishments may also suffer the penalty of suspension of their permits to operate. "This bill seeks to achieve a more peaceful and tranquil professional environment towards a more productive economy," Revilla said.