Lacson: Initiation rites form 'bondship,' instill discipline among frat members

Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday that initiation rites are needed to form a "bondship" and instill discipline among members of a fraternity or organization.

This, Lacson pointed out as the Senate is set to open on Monday its inquiry in aid of legislation into the death of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo III allegedly due to fraternity hazing.

Lacson, an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), said in an interview with radio dzBB that it is "sweeter" to be recognized as a member of an organization after undergoing a stringent initiation process.

"Sa experience ko sa PMA, una kailangan mo 'yun sa bondship. Parang ito yung kailangan mo sa disiplina, dahil mas matamis na mare-recognize ka pagkatapos mong dumaan sa paghihirap," he said.

"Hindi naman tayo para magsinangaling na walang nangyayaring hazing sa PMA pero ang sa amin ay mas mabigat yung mga physical exercises na binibigay," he added.

Lacson noted that while he does not condone initiation rites, it is through this process that soon-to-be members get attached to those who are already part of the organization.

"Mas matamis yung kapag nirecognize ka na kapatid o kabilang ka na sa amin, mas matamis na may pinagdaanan kang katakot-takot na hirap at yung mga pinagdaanan mo, doon ikaw naa-attach na mas malapit," he said.

"I suppose, ganun din ang nae-experience sa mga fraternity. Katunayan, kahit graduate na sila, yung mga abugado, nandiyan pa rin ang nexus nila, yun ang bond nila sa isa't isa. Hindi naman siguro mangyayari yun kung napakasimpleng initiation rites lang ang mangyayari," he added.

Lacson clarified, however, that he is not justifying hazing.

"Ine-explain ko lang kung ano yung lohika kung bakit dumadaan sa initiation rites ang mga fraternity would-be brothers," he said.

Several resource persons are invited to attend the Senate inquiry on Horacio's death on Monday, which is set to start at 6 p.m.

"Mga school authorities, mga fraternities, yung Manila Police District (MPD)," Lacson said.

"Tapos sinabihan ko rin si Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel na escortan niya si John Paul Solano. 'Yung pamilya ni Atio, inimbitahan din namin pumunta para makilahok sa pagdinig," he added.

Solano, a member of Aegis Juris fraternity, is being considered by the MPD as a primary suspect in the death of Castillo after giving false statements to the police about how and where he found Atio.

On Friday, Solano surrendered to Lacson, who later turned him over to MPD.

Lacson said Solano may be considered a state witness only if authorities allow him.

"Unang-una sa prosecutor siya makikipag-usap. Kapag finile yung kaso, siya ba ay ipriprisenta as state witness or akusado muna na sa bandang dulo ay idi-discharge as state witness," he said.

"'Yung pag-discharge ay hindi rin naman yun hawak ng prosecutor kundi ng husgado na pwede siyang ma-discharge as state witness from accused," he added.

Lacson said Solano would be willing to "tell all" he knows regarding Castillo's death during the formal investigation of the case.

Solano had denied participation in Castillo's hazing. He said his fellow frat members called him for help to revive Castillo, who was already "half dead" when he arrived.

Aside from Solano, members of other fraternities are also invited to attend the hearing.

"Kasi hindi lang naman limited ang pag-uusap doon sa nangyari kay Atio, kundi macocover nito ang lahat ng fraternity. Kasi ang aayusin nito ay Anti-Hazing Law e, so kailangan makunan din sila ng input," Lacson said.

Castillo died of massive heart attack possibly due to the injuries he suffered after undergoing alleged hazing rites. —Erwin Colcol/ALG, GMA News