MANILA – A measure that would require all public and private agencies and businesses to impose penalties against any form of abusive behavior in the workplace – including cyberbullying – is currently pending at the Senate.
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has filed Senate Bill 1217, or the Anti-Office Bullying to ensure that employees will be protected from “physical, mental and emotional harm” that could affect their productivity.
“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,” Revilla said in a statement.
Under Revilla’s bill, bullying is “any severe or repeated use of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property.”
Authorities may suspend the business permits of private firms that will not adhere to the anti-bullying measure, while government offices that will fail to curb bullying in the workplace will be charged with administrative sanctions.
“This bill seeks to achieve a more peaceful and tranquil professional environment towards a more productive economy,” Revilla said./PN
