The Quezon City Council has called for the strict implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law in all universities and colleges within the city’s jurisdiction.
In a resolution, the city council said there should be a strict implementation of Republic Act 8049, an act regulating hazing and other forms of initiation rites in fraternities, sororities and other organizations, which was enacted in 1995. Despite the passage of this law, justice has been elusive to hazing victims and their families.
According to 1st District Councilor Lena Marie P. Juico, author of the resolution, school officials and leaders of all fraternities should comply with the provisions of the Anti-Hazing Law to eliminate all forms of violence and injury, physical and mental, and to prevent deaths resulting from initiation rites conducted by fraternities.
Juico noted that hazing usually results in physical injuries that could be fatal. She said that initiation rites can also be emotionally and socially demeaning, with neophytes sometimes placed in embarrassing or humiliating situations just to qualify for admission as new member.
The QC Government owns and manages the Quezon City Polytechnic University where so far no fraternity-related-incidents have been reported. Within the city are 88 other colleges and universities, some of which have had incidents of hazing.
The Philippines is a signatory to several international agreements for the elimination of all forms of torture, abuse and violence, and tolerating hazing goes against these advocacies. (Rico)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
