CSC–COA–DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2025: A Complete Guide for Government Agencies and Public Schools

Anti-Bullying (RA 10627) — FAQs (Revised IRR)

Quick-reference questions and answers for learners, parents, and school personnel. This is informational—your school’s Anti-Bullying Policy and Child Protection mechanisms remain the primary operational guide.

Applies to public & private basic education schools and CLCs Covers physical, verbal, psychological/emotional, social, cyber, and gender-based bullying Due process + confidentiality required

Jump to: Definitions Prohibited acts Reporting & response Roles Confidentiality Compliance

QWhat is the “Revised IRR” of the Anti-Bullying Act?

It refers to the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013). It clarifies scope, definitions, prohibited acts, roles, procedures, prevention, and reporting requirements for schools and Community Learning Centers (CLCs).

QWho and what institutions are covered?

Coverage generally includes:

• All public and private basic education schools; and
• Community Learning Centers (CLCs), including those supervised/recognized by DepEd.

QWhat is considered “bullying” under the Revised IRR?

Bullying involves severe or repeated acts (written, verbal, electronic, physical acts/gestures, or combinations) directed at another learner that may:

• Cause fear of physical or emotional harm or property damage,
• Create a hostile environment at school,
• Infringe on a learner’s rights at school, or
• Materially and substantially disrupt the education process or school operations.

QWhat are the recognized forms of bullying?

Commonly recognized forms include:

• Physical bullying
• Psychological/Emotional bullying
• Verbal bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Social bullying
• Gender-based bullying

QWhat is “retaliation” and is it covered?

Retaliation includes intimidation, reprisal, or harassment against anyone who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation, or is a witness/has reliable information about bullying. Retaliation is prohibited and must be addressed like bullying concerns.

QWhat acts are prohibited?

Prohibited acts include all forms of bullying defined in the Revised IRR, as well as retaliation against reporters/informants/witnesses.

QWhere can bullying be considered a school concern?

Bullying may be covered when it occurs:

• On school grounds,
• On property immediately adjacent to school grounds (up to a specified radius),
• At school-sponsored or school-related activities/functions/programs (on or off campus),
• On school buses/vehicles used by a school,
• At school bus stops, and
• Through technology/electronic devices owned/leased/used by a school.

Certain off-campus online acts may still be addressed if they create a hostile environment at school, infringe rights at school, or substantially disrupt school operations.

QHow do bullying cases start (who can file/raise a complaint)?

A bullying case may be commenced through a complaint filed by the learner, the learner’s representative, or any school personnel, filed before the disciplining authority identified in the school’s policy (which may include the Learner Formation Officer, as designated).

QCan learners report anonymously?

Schools are expected to enable anonymous reporting. However, disciplinary or administrative action should not be based solely on an anonymous report—proper verification and due process are still required.

QWhat due process is required if a penalty is imposed?

Minimum due process requirements include:

• Written notice of the complaint to the learner and the parents/parent-substitute,
• Opportunity for the alleged bully to answer in writing (with parent/guardian assistance),
• A written decision by the school head stating facts and reasons, and
• Access to appeal mechanisms as provided in the rules.

QWhat is the role of the school head/principal?

Key responsibilities generally include adopting/overseeing the anti-bullying policy, ensuring reporting/investigation, informing parents, leading orientations, and maintaining records/statistics while protecting confidentiality.

QWhat is a Learner Formation Officer (LFO)?

The LFO supports policy implementation, enables anonymous reporting (with safeguards), manages complaints, protects the rights of all parties, and maintains records with confidentiality.

QAre bullying reports confidential?

Yes. Identities and personal circumstances of all parties must be handled with utmost confidentiality and in accordance with data privacy rules.

QDoes every school need an Anti-Bullying Policy?

Yes. Schools/CLCs must adopt and operationalize policies aligned with DepEd standards (public schools adopt DepEd standard; private schools align at minimum).