By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service
The Senate has approved on final reading a bill that bans any form of hazing.
Nineteen senators voted in favor of Senate Bill 1662 which effectively amends Republic Act 8049, the existing anti-hazing law that merely regulates the acts.
The bill, which was endorsed by Senator Panfilo Lacson, expands the definition of hazing, which includes paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, forced exposure to the sun, forced intake of any drug substance, among others.
The ban under the bill applies to schools, associations and institutions that include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Military Academy, the Philippine National Police Academy and other uniformed service learning institutions.
“Hazing needs to stop now. Awareness must be raised as to the fact that there is no unity, no brotherhood, no strength, no honor and no respect in hazing.. It is merely violence and abuse,” Lacson said.
Under the bill, violators can face reclusion temporal, or fines reaching P1 million.
Those who resort to hazing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can face fines of up to P2 million and reclusion perpetua.
Those who were merely present during initiation rites may also face punishment.
The approval of the bill in the Senate comes following the death of Horacio Castillo III, a University of Sto. Tomas law freshman student, reportedly during initiation rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity, last year.