Manila: Senator Joseph Victor 'JV' Ejercito filed a bill seeking to hold schools, coaches, and athletic associations legally responsible for the safety and welfare of student-athletes, following the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players during a team-building activity in Aurora.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito introduced Senate Bill No. 2269, dubbed the proposed Student-Athletes Comprehensive Protection Act of 2026, aiming to expand the existing Republic Act 10676, or the Student-Athletes Protection Act. This expansion seeks to include safeguards not only during competitions but also in practices, training sessions, and other school-sanctioned activities. Ejercito emphasized the inadequacy of current laws, which lack explicit provisions for student protection during these non-competitive activities, and stressed the need for concrete legal measures rather than relying on good intentions for athlete safety.
The bill mandates that schools and athletic associations provide a safe and healthy training environment, protecting student-athletes from physical, psychological, and emotional harm. It includes requirements for qualified supervision, emergency response protocols, medical assessments, safe training environments, and policies against hazing, abuse, harassment, and retaliation. Additionally, the bill ensures access to healthcare professionals to monitor athletes' physical condition and nutritional needs.
Student-athletes who suffer from injuries or sports-related harm while participating in athletic programs may benefit from free or subsidized medical expenses under the proposed legislation. Ejercito's filing of the bill comes in the wake of the tragic drowning of Ateneo Blue Eagles players, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, at a beach resort in Dipaculao town on June 8.
Ejercito stated that the bill aims to reinforce accountability, making the safety and welfare of student-athletes a legal obligation for schools, coaches, and athletic organizations. Similarly, Senator Francis Pangilinan has proposed Senate Bill No. 2268, known as the Student-Athlete Safety, Welfare, and Protection Act, which seeks to protect the rights of student-athletes, particularly in high-risk sports and activities.
Pangilinan highlighted the ongoing investigations into the tragic incident, underscoring the necessity of proactive protection for student-athletes. His bill proposes a comprehensive Bill of Rights for student-athletes, ensuring their rights to safety, health, dignity, and education. It also mandates safe training environments, medical care, mental health support, protection from hazing, abuse, and retaliation, and the right to report unsafe conditions, receive academic accommodations during injury recovery, and be fully informed of risks and safety measures associated with school-sanctioned athletic activities.
