Duterte signs new anti-hazing law

July 11, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 seeking to ban all forms of hazing in the country about 10 months after the death of University of Sto. Tomas (UST) law student Horacio  Castillo III in Manila.

“All forms of hazing shall be prohibited in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training,” it read.

The law covers the organizations which includes but not limited to any club, associations, group, fraternity, and sorority.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Military Academy and the PNP Academy and other similar uniformed services learning institutions are also covered under the provisions of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Duterte signed it into law on June 29 but the Palace released it on Wednesday.

The law provides a penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P 3 million imposed upon the persons who  planned or participated in the hazing, if as a consequence, results in death, rape, sodomy or mutilation.

Reclusion perpetua and a P 2-million fine may be imposed against persons who planned and participated in the hazing activities; all officers of fraternity, sorority or organization who are actually present during the hazing. The adviser of the group, all officers and non-resident members or alumni who are present during the activity are liable for the same penalty. DMS