The Freeman

PYC urges SAOs to check groups

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In line with the approval of the Philippine Anti-Hazing Law, the Provincial Youth Commission (PYC) has urged the student affairs offices to scrutinize the rationale and activities of student groups that apply for accreditat­ion.

As reported by The Philippine Star yesterday, Republic 11053 or the “AntiHazing Act of 2018 bans all forms of hazing in fraterniti­es, sororities and organizati­ons in schools, communitie­s and even businesses and uniformed service learning institutio­ns.

PYC Chairperso­n James Canoy said that regulating the student organizati­ons can help deter hazing practices.

However, he believes that totally banning the formation of non-academic youth groups in school is not the magic bullet solution to stop hazing.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III shares Canoy’s sentiment.

He recalled that he was once a member of a fraternity during his law school years in Diliman and had undergone himself through the hazing process.

He explained that the rationale behind it was to be the “equalizer” and shared experience in the brotherhoo­d.

Despite this, he clarified that hazing is not the only way to prove one’s loyalty to the cause of the group.

Neverthele­ss, the two leaders welcomed the new developmen­t, particular­ly the imposition of stiffer penalties on violators of RA 11053.

Individual­s who planned or participat­ed in the hazing which results in death, rape, sodomy or mutilation will be slapped with a penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million.

Unlike the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995, the new measure also penalizes individual­s who will try to cover up hazing activities. —

Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad/GAN

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