The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, in a joint hearing with the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, tackled the Department of Education’s (DepEd) handling of sexual harassment cases involving teachers and school officials on September 5, 2025 (Thursday).

During the hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked DepEd Assistant Secretary Georgina Ann H. Yang about the status of sexual harassment complaints filed against educators since the passage of the Safe Spaces Act, which lawmakers are seeking to amend.

“In 2022, there were reportedly 70 complaints of sexual harassment received by the department. Pwede po bang malaman ano na ang status ng complaints na mga iyon?” Hontiveros inquired.

Asec. Yang assured the committee that under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara and with Usec. Filemon Ray Javier, heading the legal services, the DepEd is actively addressing all such cases.

“Some of these (cases) have been aging na, years na inabutan pero and lahat po ay naaksyunan.” Yang said.

She emphasized that the DepEd is prepared to provide the committee with the status report on these cases as they remain committed to protecting learners not only inside schools but also online, particularly amid efforts to strengthen internet connectivity in all public schools. 

“Currently, we are conducting classroom-based discussions regarding OSAEC (Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children) and CSAEM (Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials).”

Senator Hontiveros pressed further, raising the issue of complaints filed by the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) regarding incidents at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA). The group claimed that despite allegations of abuse, no administrative or criminal cases were filed, allowing the alleged perpetrator to freely roam the campus grounds after resigning.

“Nananatili ‘yung tanong, hindi ba ‘yan naging failure ng PHSA sa pagprotekta sa estudyante nila?” Hontiveros asked.

The Senate hearing continues as lawmakers push for stronger accountability and reforms to safeguard students from sexual harassment and abuse in schools

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