Schools urged to maintain system for registering fraternities
The grieving family of Guillo Servando, a victim of fatal hazing.
MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday pushed for the transparency of initiation rites in fraternities.
In her speech before the consultation on proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 8049 or the 1995 Anti-Hazing Law which was hosted by the National Youth Commission, De Lima said secrecy in initiation rites is susceptible to power-tripping, abuse, humiliation and hazing.
“Hazing is like a fungus which spreads rapidly and grows unchecked, if allowed to remain in the dark, underground, away from the disinfecting power of the sun. Secrecy empowers the abusers. Concealment and enforced silence emboldens them,” De Lima said.
She said one way to operationalize transparency is by requiring organizations to use designated open areas for all their recruitment activities and initiation rites.
“Hazing is much less likely to happen if proceedings are open and visible, to neutral, third party observers and school officials. If an organization refuses, and it conducts its proceedings in a closed venue, this can be used as prima facie evidence for violations of the Anti-Hazing Law. Such a presumption can be embodied in an amendment to the law,” De Lima said.
De Lima added that schools should also do their share by registering organizations that are recruiting its students.
“Schools must maintain a system for registering and accrediting fraternities, sororities and other organizations. Relevant, updated and complete information must be recorded. These groups and their officers must be afforded the full measure of their freedom to associate, while also being regularly reminded of the liabilities, which attach if they carry out hazing.
Last June, 18-year old Guillo Servando from De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde died due to injury sustained in initiation rites by Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.
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