Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 18) — The author of the country’s anti-hazing law says the death of a law student from alleged fraternity hazing rites means “many of our young people still do not conform with the law.”
Former Senator Joey Lina, author of Republic Act (RA) No. 8049, or the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995, spoke to News Night Monday about the death of Horacio Tomas Castillo III and said fraternity initiation rites that inflict injury are illegal.
Lina said, “A law is meant to establish standards of behavior and it’s up to the young people to follow or not to follow the standards.”
Lina raised the case of two students from UP Los Baños who were sentenced by the Supreme Court over the death of a fellow student – the first conviction under RA 8049.
Dandy L. Dungo and Gregorio A. Sibal Jr. were sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the death of Marlon Vilanueva.
He also said that even though a law exists, violations can still happen.
Lina said, “Still, there are elements in our society who do not obey the law. If there is disobedience to the law, then the justice system must now operate.”
In the case of Castillo, Lina said, authorities must do all they can to collect the evidence to “pin down the malefacors, or the ones behind the death of Mr. Castillo.”
He added, “The law is only as good as it is followed or implemented. It sets a standard. If people violate the standard, then they have to follow the consequences.”
Section 4 of RA 8049 states: “If the person subjected to hazing or other forms of initiation rites suffers any physical injury or dies as a result thereof, the officers and members of the fraternity, sorority or organization who actually participated in the infliction of physical harm shall be liable as principals.”
Twenty-two year old Castillo, a law student from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), died after allegedly undergoing hazing.
READ: UST law student dead after alleged hazing
Horacio Tomas Castillo III’s body was found by his parents early Monday at a funeral parlor in Manila. His body was covered in bruises.
Castillo’s father said his son, whom they call “Atyo” asked permission on Saturday to stay overnight at UST for the welcoming rites of the Aegis Juris Fraternity – a recognized law school-based fraternity.
UST on Monday condemned the “senseless act” committed against their student and promised he will be given justice.
CNN Philippines digital producer Pia Garcia contributed to this report.
