Under the bill, corporal punishment refers to cruel and unusual punishment or acts that subject the child to indignities and other excessive chastisement that embarrasses or humiliates the child. It includes physical punishment and is imposed by an adult or by another child to discipline, train or control the victim.
Parents found guilty of severe corporal punishment on a child will be penalized under the provisions of Republic Act 7610 or anti-child abuse law.
Persons entrusted with the child, particularly teachers, guardians, yayas and relatives, face maximum penalties provided for under existing laws.
On the other hand, persons who intervene to save a child from further harm are exempt from any liability.
Among prohibited punishment on a child are blows, but not limited to kicking; hitting, slapping, beating, and lashing any part of the child’s body. Also banned are pinching (kurot), pulling of ears (pengot) or hair (sabunot), cutting or shaving of hair, spanking with hand and whipping with belt, among others."
The bill also considers as unlawful the use of power, authority or threats on the child and forcing the minor to kneel on stones, salt or pebbles, and squatting.
On the other hand, acceptable methods of imposing discipline are the following: reprimand, Grandma’s Rule, Beat-the-Clock, praise, and others.
Herrera-Dy, vice chair of the House committee on the welfare of children, said responsibility building or making a child perform age-appropriate and simple household chores is also encouraged.
She said all records about corporal punishment case will be considered confidential. Publication of the identity of the victim and immediate family member will be penalized with a P200,000 fine.
