Duterte: Hazing can’t be removed; just be ‘moderate’

MANILA, Philippines — Warning that a ban on fraternities would raise constitutional issues, President Rodrigo Duterte advised those involved in hazing to “just don’t overdo it.”

“To be frank about it, you cannot remove [hazing]. Just don’t overdo it,” the President said before leaving for Russia on Tuesday evening.

The President, who once spent three days in a hospital for massive hematoma after undergoing a hazing ritual by members of the Lex Talionis fraternity, said hazing activities should be “moderate.”

Renewed concern over hazing activities emerged recently after Philippine Military Academy cadet Darwin Dormitorio died due to serious injuries sustained from physical abuse by upperclassmen.

The President signed the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, prohibiting all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities and school programs like the Citizens’ Military Training and Citizens’ Army Training.

“You break the rules, you go to jail. That’s how it is. Or you die,” the President said.