Hazing
DESPITE the implementation of a tougher law against hazing, fraternity violence continues to worry the country’s education, school and law enforcement authorities.
Thus, the two-chamber Congress — the 24-member Senate and the House of Representatives — ought to revisit Republic Act (RA) No. 1105 or the “Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.”
This, after the death of Adamson University chemical engineering student John Matthew Salilig, 24, during fratersity hazing rites held in Barangay Casile, Binan City in Laguna.
Six members of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, Adamson University chapter, voluntarily appeared at around 11 p.m. at the Binan City Police headquarters for investigation.
The six suspects in the death of Salilig, a native of Zamboanga City, underwent inquest proceedings at the DOJ in Manila on two counts of violation of the anti-hazing law.
Several senators, including Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, a member of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, called Congress to revisit the anti-hazing law.
“In the midst of this new case of hazing, we need to be more proactive and revisit the law to ensure that it is being implemented properly,” said Senator Villanueva.
Senate President Juan Miguel (Migz) Zubiri, a Mindanaoan like Salilig, said that justice must be served for the victim to deter other people from engaging in hazing.
Another Mindanaoan, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr., called on the police to solve the Salilig case and then file airtight charges against those they have evidence.
Let’s hit hard at fraternity officers and members who insist on physically harming new members if we are to succeed in stopping hazing not only in Manila but elsewhere.
We are in for more problems if we fail to send to jail violators of the anti-hazing law.
