MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives has passed on third and final reading a proposed measure that prohibits “spanking” of children.
House Bill 4455 or the Positive Discipline bill, authored by Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap, prohibits acts that are perceived as abusive to children and advocates positive and non-violent means to discipline children.
Once again, a case of corporal punishment has become news in the media even though this form of punishment has been banned by the government following a ruling of the High Court in January this year. This time, an administrative officer has beaten a student of an English medium school in the city. This form of punishment, which is a violation of human rights, is an impediment to achieving real education.
While the killing of Osama bin Laden is being enthusiastically celebrated throughout America and parts of the world; to say that such merriment is out of order will surely be considered heresy. Nonetheless, I’m saying it — because it needs to be said. What I am tempted to say is this: Get a grip, celebrators. Have you so little decency?