Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has filed a measure seeking to strengthen the protection of student-athletes by holding schools, coaches, and athletic associations legally accountable for their safety and welfare.
Senate Bill No. 2269, or the proposed Student-Athletes Comprehensive Protection Act of 2026, seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10676 or the Student-Athletes Protection Act by extending safeguards beyond competitions to include practices, training sessions, and other school-sanctioned activities.
Under the measure, schools and athletic associations would be required to provide a safe and healthy environment for student-athletes and implement measures to prevent physical, psychological, and emotional harm.
The bill also mandates qualified supervision during practices and training, emergency response protocols, medical assessments, safe training conditions, and policies against hazing, abuse, harassment, and retaliation.
It likewise provides access to health professionals to monitor athletes’ physical condition and nutritional needs.
Student-athletes who suffer injuries or sports-related harm while participating in athletic programs and competitions may also be entitled to free or subsidized medical coverage.
Ejercito said the proposed measure aims to strengthen accountability and ensure that the safety and welfare of student-athletes become a legal obligation rather than a matter left solely to the discretion of schools and sports organizations.
The senator filed the bill following the deaths of Ateneo Blue Eagles players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Nigerian player Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
