Must we ban fraternities in the country?
A fraternity is not synonymous to hazing, a fraternity- the
forming and joining of one is a constitutional right of every Filipino- the
right to form associations. It is the violence committed (or hazing) in the recruitment
of members of these so called associations are the ones that should be taken
out.
The enactment of Republic Act no. 8049 in 1995, principally
authored by Senator Joey Lina is now being further scrutinized. Since 1995, as
per media reports it has only one person has been convicted under it. *
 |
| Philstar Editorial cartoon, Sept. 24, 2017 |
I have quoted the editorial piece of the Philippine Star
published last September 24, 2017, it roughly covers the sentiments of the
many.
The Anti-Hazing Law or Republic Act 8049 imposes stiff
penalties for violent initiation rites of fraternities and sororities.
Penalties ranging from four years to life in prison are imposed not only on
direct participants but also on accomplices such as school authorities and
faculty members who have knowledge of the hazing but did nothing to stop it.
Even parents who allow hazing at their home and failed to
stop the violence can be indicted as principals. Officers, former officers or
alumni of the fraternity, sorority or organization who planned the hazing or
knew about it but failed to stop the violence are also liable as principals
under RA 8049.
Yet how many such accomplices and principals have been
convicted or even indicted since the Anti-Hazing Law was passed in 1995?
Fraternity and sorority alumni throughout the prosecution service and judiciary
in fact are believed to be responsible for the appalling failure to give
justice to the scores of students who have died or suffered severe beating and
humiliation at the hands of those who profess to be their “brothers” and
“sisters.”
As in other crimes, this failure has guaranteed impunity –
and more hazing deaths.
This coming week Congress is set to start conducting
hearings on the death of Horacio Tomas Castillo III, the University of Santo
Tomas law freshman who died last Sunday at the hands of Aegis Juris fraternity
members. Castillo’s death should test whether the Anti-Hazing Law is an
effective deterrent against violent initiation rites. *
In the upcoming inquiry, lawmakers can start with the fact
that RA 8049 merely regulates rather than prohibits hazing. While the law
prohibits acts that inflict physical harm and cause temporary or permanent
impairment, the wording of the provisions can be interpreted to mean that
hazing can be allowed under a regulated environment. The law defines “hazing”
as “an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission into
membership in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit,
neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as
forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar tasks or activities
or otherwise subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury.”
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