Bong Go: Senate should review Anti-Hazing Act

CEBU, Philippines — The Senate should review, if necessary, the Anti-Hazing Act following the death of John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old Adamson University student during a fraternity initiation rites, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said.

Go vowed to actively participate in the discussion to prevent more death due to hazing.

“Let’s take a closer look. As for us in the Senate, if it needs to be reviewed, I will participate if necessary to prevent it from happening again because it keeps happening again,” he said.

Go expressed his concern about the repeated incidents of hazing, which continue to result in injuries and loss of lives, and emphasized the importance of protecting the lives and well-being of every Filipino, especially the youth.

“In the past few years, there have been repeated reports of victims of hazing. Others, taken to the hospital first, die,” said Go. “Life is at stake here. Life and health of our neighbor. That’s why we must take care, and protect the lives of every Filipino, especially every youth.”

Go has strongly denounced the reported fraternity-related hazing that led to the death of Salilig.

“Dapat po ay kapatiran, hindi kamatayan,” stressed Go. He expressed his disappointment in the use of physical violence during recruitment, stating that it is not a measure of one’s ability to be a good member of a fraternity or any organization.

As a father himself, Go lamented, “Alam n’yo, tayong mga magulang pinapaaral natin ang ating mga anak. Nagsasakripisyo tayo, nagtatrabaho tayo (upang) mapalaki ang ating mga anak, pinapaaral natin para makapagtapos sila ng pag-aaral. Ngunit hindi para saktan at mamatay.

He urged the authorities to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Go said he would be willing to participate if the Senate will investigate the hazing incident. However, he believes that the police should be allowed to complete their investigation first.

Last Tuesday, the decomposing body of Salilig was discovered in a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite, strongly suggesting that he was a victim of hazing.

Charges have already been filed by Salilig’s brother, John Michael, and another neophyte who also reportedly suffered hazing against six individuals allegedly involved in the incident.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are set to undergo a preliminary investigation, where they will be given the opportunity to present their defense against the accusations.

Go clarified that the revival of the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is different from fraternities and expressed his support for its revival, saying that it is intended to instill discipline, patriotism, and a love for the country in the youth. — Philippine Star News Service/GMR (FREEMAN)