Multiple Facebook users have shared identical posts claiming that calling someone dark-skinned can lead to a ₱20,000 fine under the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 or Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10627. This is false.
A reader sent a request to VERA Files’ Messenger Misinformation Tipline on June 20 to verify one such post that read:
“Under RA 10627. Pwede mong kasuhan ang sinumang magsabi sa’yo ng maitim ka or pwedeng singilin ng 20,000 pesos. (You can file a case against anyone who calls you dark-skinned or charge them 20,000 pesos.)”
This is incorrect. R.A. No. 10627 seeks to prevent and address acts of bullying in elementary and high school. The law does not specify any fines for acts of bullying.
R.A. No. 10627 requires public and private elementary and high schools to adopt clear anti-bullying guidelines and procedures for resolving such cases. The protections in the law apply only to elementary and high school students.
There are no fines specified in the law’s implementing rules and regulations. Instead, administrative penalties are imposed on personnel who fail to comply with the processes outlined in the law. Private schools that do not comply may have permits or recognition revoked by the Department of Education.
Though the post erred on what R.A. No. 10627 covers, a separate PhP 20,000 penalty exists for simple slander under Article 358 of the Revised Penal Code. Slander, or oral defamation, can result in a fine of PhP 20,000 and/or imprisonment from one day up to six months.
The original post was uploaded by the FB page inlove on Feb. 9. It has been re-shared by several thousand users in the past week. The post resurfaced and circulated among users around the opening of classes in public schools on June 16.
The post has so far garnered over 4,900 reactions, 1,800 comments and 23,000 shares.
