DOJ supports amendment to Anti-Hazing Act

MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) sees the need to enhance the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 through Senate Bill 2271. 

During Monday's hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, State Counsel Atty. Jenny Rose Avellano-Catalo said the DOJ supports the provision making fraternities and sororities solidarily liable for hazing related deaths or injuries. 

A fine of P20 million will also be imposed. 

"We fully support this provision because this kind of penalty or provision which imposes stiffer liability not just on those present in initiation but to the entire sorority because may accountability sila on rights being performed by members," Catalo said.  

The DOJ and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also support the proposal to have fraternities and sororities register with their schools before conducting activities. 

These organizations must also register with the local police. 

"At least madaling mahanap yung mga taong accountable and liable because their organizations are registered both in the local police having jurisdiction in place and the barangay," Catalo said.

READ: Suspect in Nueva Ecija teen's alleged hazing death surrenders to police

READ: Manila court convicts 10 Aegis Juris fratmen for hazing death of law student Atio Castillo