Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 2) — A lawmaker on Thursday said the house owner where the fraternity initiation rites were held resulting the death of a university student may be held liable if proven to have had knowledge of the activity.
“They are also liable,” Deputy Minority leader Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy told CNN Philippines’ The Source, referring to the death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old chemical engineering student, who was buried in a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite on Feb. 28.
Authorities said Salilig attended the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi (Triskilion) fraternity in Biñan, Laguna when he was reported missing on Feb. 18.
Under the Anti-Hazing Act, which was co-authored by Dy, “the owner or lessee of the place where hazing is conducted shall be liable as principal.”
If proven that the person knew about the conduct of hazing, but did not report to authorities, the person will serve a jail term of up to 40 years (reclusion perpetua) and be fined either ₱2 million or ₱3 million.
Dy reminded landlords to be vigilant, especially if the tenants are students.
She also said school officials may also be held responsible for Salilig’ s death for negligence.
The law requires university authorities to be present in any initiation rites of their student organizations. Failure to do so would mean a fine of ₱1 million.
If school authorities as well as barangay, municipal, or city officials are proven to have failed to take action despite knowing about the hazing, they may also face charges, Dy said.
Salilig’s fellow recruits may also be held liable if authorities see proof that they also failed to report the incident, she added.
To address the continuing problem of hazing deaths, Dy is proposing a one-strike policy and blacklisting of organizations conducting any fatal act.
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She added that groups found guilty should be immediately suspended by the school.
