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‘LAW IS VERY CLEAR’

Lacson sees no need for Senate inquiry on alleged hazing at PMA


Saying that the amended anti-hazing law is already very clear, Senator Panfilo Lacson does not see the need for the Senate to conduct an inquiry on the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio allegedly due to hazing.

“Hindi na kailangan. Ang law is very clear and this is a clear violation of the anti-hazing law as amended. They should not cross the threshold of punishing the plebes or trainees. Maliwanag naman ‘yan,” Lacson told reporters Monday when asked if a Senate inquiry is needed on the death of the Philippine Military Academy freshman.

He, however, expressed disappointment on the victim’s upperclassmen or older students, saying they should have learned something from the previous incidents and the laws passed by Congress.

“Hazing is as old as discipline itself because weapon ‘yan na ginagamit. Over time dapat meron na(ng natutunan), naging creative na yung mga kadete dahil nga with the passing of time, marami ng mga batas na naipasa, ang pinakalatest nga itong amendment dahil sa Atio Castillo hazing case,” he said

Lacson said that said in the past, those found guilty of involvement in hazing activities only face dismissal or suspension but now they will be meted with reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years imprisonment.

“Now it is different because it carries a capital punishment kaya while it is tragic that 4th Class Cadet Dormitorio is now dead because of hazing, still i cannot feel but pity those who are involved simply because hindi na lang administrative ‘yung sanctions na haharapin nila kundi they face a potential imprisonment of 40 years,” he said.

“These people, the upper class cadets, are now in the prime of their lives dahil nasa early 20s ‘yan or not even  20-year-olds but then they face the possibility of spending the rest of their lives in prison,” he added.

Lacson, a member of PMA Class 1971, said the cadets learn to innovate when it comes to testing or disciplining their underclassmen.

“Dapat sila they go with the flow, hindi na pwede ‘yun hazing, they should avoid physical contacts. ’Yung physical exertion kasi that is part of training, if you are required to climb a mountain or a hill or run hundreds of kilometers, that could be allowed under the exemption dun sa anti-hazing law pero pag physical contact na, that’s a clear violation of the law,” he said.

Republic Act 11053 imposes a fine of P3 million aside from 20 to 40 years in prison for hazing rites that would result in death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation.

The law also bans all forms of hazing as a requirement for admission into membership of a fraternity, sorority, or organization in schools and uniformed service learning institutions such as the Philippine National Police Academy and PMA.

Police earlier disclosed that Dormitorio died on September 18 due to hazing. An autopsy conducted on Dormitorio showed bruises on different parts of his body. 

Authorities said three individuals, earlier considered as persons of interest, are now tagged as suspects.

At least two PMA officers have been relieved over the incident. Presidential spokespserson Salvador Panelo even said the PMA superintendent should resign following the incident. — RSJ, GMA News

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