Frat, gangmen asked to appear at council

CEBU – The Cebu City Council will invite the leaders of different fraternities, gangs and school officials to appear before its one of its sessions next month to know their stand on the proposed ordinance that would regulate recruitment of fraternity and gang members.

The proposed ordinance, which is authored by Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem intends to regulate the recruitment of minors into fraternities, sororities and other similar associations, as one way of preventing the recurrence of violent incidents that happened in the past.

Councilor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the council committee on laws and ordinances, explained that the proposed legislation is within the power and authority of the council to enact.

But he said there should be a public hearing about it for the council members to hear the views and comments of those who will be affected.

Acting city secretary Cynthia Kahulugan is expected to invite the representatives of the controversial fraternities Alpha Kapha Rho (Akhro) and Tau-Gamma Phi and rival gangs Bloods and Crips.

Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, an educator by profession, has suggested that the school officials and the representatives of the Parents Teachers Community Association (PTCA) would also be invited.

Some of the councilors believe that the proposal to regulate the membership of fraternities violates the mandate of the Constitution that said anybody is allowed to form or be a member of a group.

But Labella quickly explained that the proposal of Jakosalem will not be a violation of the law because the minors or those below 18 years old are still under the supervision of their parents.

Once approved, Jakosalem’s proposed ordinance will impose sanctions such as fines and short periods of imprisonment for the violators. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)