Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Juan Edgardo Angara called on the public and universities on Tuesday not to “glamorize” fraternities as he condemned the use of violence against neophyte members.
“Sometimes, it’s the culture. The violence and being part of a fraternity have been glamorized by an institution or the society,” Angara said in Filipino in a radio interview.
“And then sometimes, when it is allowed by the schools, without referring to any specific institution, it becomes glamorous for a young kid, who is very impressionable, who feels indispensable or he feels the need to be part of this in order to become successful. But that’s not true,” he said.
Angara was reacting to the recent death of an 18-year-old student of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Guillo Cesar Servando, who allegedly died at the hands of fraternity members.
While he admitted that he also underwent hazing when he joined a fraternity group, the senator said he tried to change this culture.
Angara then pointed out the inclination of old fraternities in the University of the Philippines where he studied to veer away from hazing.
“The fraternities in UP have matured unlike before wherein hazing is very rigorous whereas the tendency of other fraternities in newer colleges or schools is to adapt the old practice,” he said.
“So I hope we don’t glamorize the violence associated with some of the older practices of fraternities,” the senator added.
He pointed out that the use of violence against neophyte members was not “crucial” in the brotherhood.
“Calling yourself a brother doesn’t mean that you need to hurt each other,” Angara added.
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