A soldier stands in attention while keeping watch over the late PMA cadet Darwin Dormitorio’s flag-draped casket inside the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Cagayan de Oro City, Saturday evening, Sept.21. Jigger J. Jerusalem / Inquirer Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday said there is no need for the Senate to probe the death of a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet due to alleged hazing.
He reasoned that the anti-hazing law is “very clear” already and what happened to fourth-class cadet Darwin Dormitorio was a “clear violation of the anti-hazing law as amended.”
“Hindi na kailangan (There is no need). Ang law is very clear and this is a clear violation of the anti-hazing law as amended,” Lacson told reporters when asked if the Senate should conduct an inquiry into the incident.
“They should not cross the threshold of punishing the plebes or trainees. Maliwanag naman yan (That is clear already),” he added.
Lacson expressed disappointment on the victim’s upperclassmen as, he said, they should have already learned from the previous incidents and the existing laws.
As a member of the PMA Class 1971, Lacson said that during their time, those guilty of involvement in hazing activities only face dismissal or suspension. But due to the amendments of the anti-hazing law, they will now face reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years of imprisonment.
“Now it’s different, it carries capital punishment. Kaya while it is tragic that 4th Class Cadet Dormitorio is now dead because of hazing, I cannot feel but pity those who are involved in the hazing simply because hindi na lang administrative ang sanctions na haharapin nila, kundi (they won’t only face administrative sanctions but) they face a potential imprisonment of 40 years,” Lacson added.
READ: 3 in PMA fatal hazing held
He said that cadets should learn to innovate when it comes to disciplining their underclassmen.
“Dapat sila they go with the flow, hindi na pwede ang hazing and they should avoid physical contacts (They should go with the flow. Hazing is no longer allowed and they should avoid physical contact),” the senator said.
“Because may exception naman sa amendment sa hazing law na ginawa namin, ang military and police training may exceptions doon (There is an exception in the amendment in the hazing law. The military and police training has exceptions there),” he added.
READ: PMA cadet’s death traced to hazing; corps indignant
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier called for the resignation PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista following the death of Dormitorio. /je
READ: Panelo says PMA head should resign over hazing death