Escudero to school admins: Be vigilant in enforcing Anti Hazing Law

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Chiz Escudero on Wednesday advised school officials and administrators to be critical when it comes to implementing the Anti Hazing Law.

Escudero, in a press conference, said in most cases, school officials “look away” instead of dealing with hazing-related matters because some of them are involved with various fraternities.

“So sana, maging mas mapanuri, mas mapagmatyag, at maingat ang ating mga school officials and administrators kaugnay ng pagpapatupad ng Anti Hazing Law sa lahat ng fraternity at organization na ina-accredit nila sa kanilang mga paaralan,” said Escudero.

(I hope that school officials and administrators are critical and careful when it comes to implementing the Anti-Hazing Law in terms of giving accreditation to fraternities and organizations in their schools.)

The Senate chief, who is a fratman himself being a member of Alpha Phi Beta, said even if the law continues to be violated, it is still effective.

“Hindi porket may lumalabag sa batas at titigilan na natin magpasa ng batas. Sa sampung utos ng Diyos, ‘di ba thou shalt not kill — galing sa Diyos, nakaukit sa bato ay hindi sinusunod ng tao e. Nananatiling batas pa rin naman ito ngayon,” said Escudero.

(Even if the law continues to be violated, it doesn’t mean we will stop implementing it. God’s ten commandments stated that we should not kill; it came from the Lord. It was carved in stone, and yet it continues to be violated. It, however, remains a law until now.)

He then pointed out that the same applies to the Anti-Hazing Law.

“Siguro ang hamon ay nasa mga awtoridad na na ipatupad itong batas na ito at higit sa mga awtoridad na kapulisan, sa mga school administrators, school heads, and institutions of higher learning na tiyakin na itong batas na ito ay naipapaliwanag sa lahat ng kanilang mga estudyante upang maiwasan na mangyari pang muli,” he said.

The challenge for our authorities is to implement this law. Not only police authorities, but also school administrators, school heads, and institutions of higher learning to ensure that this law is explained thoroughly to their students in order for violations be avoided.)

Escudero’s remarks came after a Manila court on Tuesday — after seven grueling years – found the 10 fraternity men behind the death of UST law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III guilty of violating the Anti-Hazing Law.