Lacson welcomes signing of law that bans hazing

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday expressed hope that hazing will be stopped after the signing into law of a bill that he sponsored.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed on June 29 Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, which provides for harsher penalties for violators.

READ: Duterte signs law that bans all forms of hazing

“Hazing needs to stop now. Awareness must be raised as to the fact that there is no unity, no brotherhood, no strength, no honor, no dignity and no respect in hazing,” Lacson said, recalling his sponsorship speech.

He added: “Hazing is merely violence and abuse.”

Lacson also hoped that the law would put a stop to hazing death such as the fate that befell University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III in September 2017.

“Atio Castillo sought to join a brotherhood in search for his purpose in life. Since there’s no more life to speak of, let his death serve the purpose of ensuring that the misery of hazing and the employment of appalling rituals will no longer be imposed in the name of brotherhood,” he added.

READ: Parents of Atio Castillo confident of getting justice for his death

The law expanded the definition of hazing to include “physical or psychological suffering, harm or injury inflicted on a recruit, member, neophyte, or applicant” as a prerequisite for admission or for continued membership in an organization.

The new law covers “all forms of hazing” not only in fraternities, sororities or organizations in schools, but also those in communities and even businesses and uniformed service learning institutions,” Lacson said. /ee