Ever wondered exactly what the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10627 means when schools talk about “bullying,” “upstander,” or “retaliation”? Let’s cut through the legal language and make the definitions clear for parents, teachers, and students across the Philippines. This guide explains the Revised IRR RA 10627 definition of terms in plain, useful language.
Key Definitions from the Revised IRR RA 10627
Act: Refers to Republic Act No. 10627, the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. Why it matters: This is the law that requires schools to prevent and respond to bullying.
Alternative Learning System ALS: A parallel learning system providing nonformal and informal education as a viable alternative to formal schooling. Who it serves: Out-of-school children, youth, adults, indigenous peoples, learners with disabilities, teenage mothers, and other marginalized learners.
ALS Learner: A person enrolled in the ALS program, including those in special cases or marginalized sectors who haven’t completed basic education.
Bully: Any learner who commits acts of bullying as defined by the Act or Revised IRR.
Bullying: Severe or repeated use of written, verbal, electronic expression, physical acts, gestures, or any combination directed at another learner that causes fear, emotional harm, damage to property, creates a hostile school environment, infringes on rights, or disrupts school operations. Forms include: Physical, psychological/emotional, verbal, cyber-bullying, social, and gender-based bullying.
Physical Bullying: Unwanted physical contact such as punching, pushing, tripping, hitting, kicking, or using objects as weapons.
Psychological or Emotional Bullying: Acts that damage a victim’s psyche or emotional well-being.
Verbal Bullying: Slanderous statements, teasing, name-calling, threats, offensive jokes, or harmful written or spoken language.
Cyber-bullying: Bullying via technology such as texting, emailing, instant messaging, trolling, spamming, or posting hurtful comments or images.
Social Bullying: Behavior aimed at harming a learner’s social reputation or relationships, including targeting learners with disabilities or those from minority groups.
Gender-based Bullying: Acts that humiliate or exclude individuals based on gender identity or expression, including sexist, homophobic, misogynistic, or transphobic remarks.
Bystander: Any person who witnesses or has personal knowledge of bullying or retaliation.
Community Learning Center CLC: A physical space for learning resources and face-to-face activities for out-of-school learners and community development.
Hostile Environment: An intimidating, unfriendly, or abusive atmosphere created by unwelcome behavior.
Learner: A pupil or student in formal education or a learner in the Alternative Learning System.
Philippine Schools Overseas: Private schools outside the Philippines implementing the Philippine basic education curriculum with proper recognition or permit.
Precursor to Bullying: Acts that indicate bullying may occur or that a learner is starting to bully or be bullied.
Retaliation: Intimidation, reprisal, or harassment against someone who reports bullying, testifies, or provides information about bullying.
School Personnel: All persons working for an educational institution, including teachers, non-teaching personnel, and related-teaching personnel.
Service Provider: Non-school personnel who work in the school, such as security guards, canteen staff, utility workers, or drivers.
Victim: Any learner to whom bullying or retaliation is directed.
Upstander: A person who speaks or acts to help a learner being bullied, including seeking help from a trusted adult.
Did You Know?
The Revised IRR expands protections beyond traditional classrooms to include Alternative Learning System learners and Philippine Schools Overseas, ensuring the law covers diverse learning environments across and beyond the Philippines.
Quick Q&A
Q: Does cyber-bullying count as bullying under the law? A: Yes, cyber-bullying is explicitly included and covers any electronic harassment or harmful online posts.
Q: Who can be an upstander? A: Any student, teacher, staff member, or bystander who intervenes safely or seeks adult help.
Q: Are non-teaching staff covered? A: Yes, the terms define non-teaching and service providers so school-wide responsibilities are clear.
Personal Reflection
When I first read these definitions, I appreciated how the Revised IRR deliberately names many contexts and roles—students in alternative programs, staff, bystanders—so no one can say they didn’t know. Schools feel safer when everyone knows the language and the boundaries. I’ve seen how a clear definition changes how adults respond: less blame, more action.
Final Thought
Clear definitions in the Revised IRR RA 10627 definition of terms make it easier for schools and communities to prevent bullying and protect learners. Do you think your local school explains these terms clearly to students and parents? Share your experience or questions below.
