Ateneo dismisses student who allegedly bullied schoolmates in viral video

December 23, 2018

Ateneo De Manila University on Sunday dismissed a student involved in a bullying incident which went viral in a social media video.

"After a thorough investigation that included listening to all parties involved, the decision of the administration is to impose the penalty of dismissal on the student caught bullying another student in the comfort room of the school," Ateneo President Father Jose Ramon Villarin said in a statement.

Villarin said the student is not allowed to come back to the university.

"I have spoken to the parents of both students about this decision and have offered the families' continued support to help them overcome this difficult time," he said.

He said they are still continuing the investigation on other matters of the incident.

"Ateneo is very clear on its stand against bullying," Villarin added.

Last December 19, a video posted on social media spread like wildfire after it showed a student bullying and harassing his schoolmates by asking them to kneel in front of him, kiss his shoes or by physically and verbally abusing the victims inside Ateneo.

In a statement, Malacanang commended the university's decision on dismissing the student involved.

“The Palace commends the school administration’s swift action on the case of this student. We note, however, that the investigation has yet to be concluded as regards the rest of those involved,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo said they are respecting the academic freedom of the university but they hope for swift investigation and with regard to due process, in line with applicable jurisprudence on schools.

"We are aware of several incidents of bullying that go unpunished by schools. We hope that this occurrence will serve as a reminder that bullying is something that should never be tolerated nor condoned in any civilized institution," he said.

He also urged the public and private educational institutions to establish proper mechanisms to strictly monitor the activities of their students and ensure the strict implementation of Republic Act 10627,  known as the Anti-Bullying Law.

Panelo advised all parents and guardian to keep guiding their children towards righteousness and to set a good example of uprightness for the youth to emulate.

"We consider this incident as a lesson for us to encourage our children to be more open when it comes to expressing their concerns both inside and outside their schools," he said.

"As adults, our children look up to us for support and guidance. We cannot stress enough how important it is for us to spend quality time with them during their growing years, especially in a generation where modern technology has become a fierce competitor for the youth’s time and attention," he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS