MANILA, Philippines- Following the death of a college student due to alleged hazing, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday condemned hazing as an “unlawful act” but was quick to defend fraternities.
Binay, who is a fratman himself, said fraternities are legal organizations and should not be banned in schools. Binay is a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity (APO).
He said that fraternities, as an organization, have the right to organize as guaranteed in the Constitution but said their unlawful activities should be condemned.
He admitted that he also underwent hazing but said APO has already discontinued the violent rites.
He warned fraternities that hazing is against the law especially if it claims the lives of its members.
“Hindi kayo habang buhay magtatago. Meron kayong dapat harapin (You cannot hide forever. You have a responsibility to face),” was Binay’s message to the conspirators in the death of Guillo Cesar Servando, at the sidelines of the sophomore College of St. Benilde student’s wake.
Police are now looking for at least 11 Tau Gamma Phi fratmen who are allegedly responsible for the brutal hazing rites that killed the 18-year-old student.
On Saturday night, the body of Servando, was found dead by the Red Cross volunteers inside a unit a condominium unit in Manila after he sustained serious physical injuries.
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