Bullying is a perennial problem not only in schools but in government offices and other places of work as well. More often than not, the ones holding a higher position are the ones intimidating those who are lower in rank which give rise to violent reactions from the victims. VP Sara Duterte is aware of this so she laid down a thorough plan to improve the teaching techniques in elementary and secondary education giving emphasis to Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), access to learning tools and patriotism among others.
Bullies are commonly seen in the movies and telenovelas but it is more prevalent in real life. The strong and the powerful prey on the weak, the rich and the famous consider the poor inferior to them. In grade school, you’ll find young boys forcibly taking either the ‘baon’, pencils, or crayons of classmates who can do nothing but cry. Others would scribble nonsense characters on notebooks and papers and the victims can only watch helplessly in dismay.
In government offices, there are incidents of bullying in varying forms being committed by those occupying a higher position to lowly employees like utility aides and/or orderlies. From my own observation, having worked in the Judiciary for 34 years, bullies are obviously suffering from some sort of psychological and emotional problems that need professional help.
I remember an incident in the past at the RTC in Canlubang, Laguna when a female employee locked the entire records of a case set for trial on that day inside her drawer. Everybody went crazy looking for the records because the Presiding Judge was very mad and cursing the custodian of criminal cases. Desperate and in tears, the poor lady sought the help of her mother-in-law who was stenographer in another branch. The old woman took the cudgel to check all the drawers of the staff and lo and behold, she found the records hidden beneath the files of the Court Interpreter. The next scenario was a loud slapping of the interpreter by the old woman which left everybody speechless. No case was filed in court.
I know that there are still bullies in Court(s) today being committed by those who feel they are better than the rest – acting like prima donna in a stage play when in truth and in fact their souls are rotten and their character needs total rehabilitation. You can easily identify them from their language and the way they treat people. It has to be addressed by someone who is morally righteous and known for unquestionable integrity and probity.
A check on the family background of bullies can be of great help. He/she may be a product of broken homes, or could be a battered child, a child born out of wedlock, victim of incest, next of kin of an addict, and many other factors. Whatever the root may be, bullying has to stop as it affects the lives of other people. VP Inday Sara Duterte was right when she decreed that DepEd must secure the services of Guidance Counselor(s) in public schools to attend to varying concerns of learners. Other government offices must help the Education department to attain its objectives.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
