“They say you can do everything you want in life, but there are things you shouldn't do,” said Atty. John Jacome, the speaker for the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Roundtable regarding the Anti-Hazing law and Prohibition of Fraternities and Sororities in San Beda College Alabang last  Feb. 15, at the Multi-Purpose Hall. SBCA continues its series of talks through the OSA Roundtable. 

Prof. Carlo Enrico Tinio’s opening remarks emphasized fostering constructive dialogues between the students and the school, bringing awareness towards such pressing issues in the educational landscape, and collaborating with students to create a safe and nurturing academic environment for all. 

Atty. Jacome further explained that for many students, the idea of sororities and fraternities immediately links to the concept of hazing; these organizations were formed to create camaraderie towards their fellow “brads” or “sis,” but at the expense of a shared tradition, which leads to the loss of lives and irreparable injury to others.

Republic Act 11035, or the Anti Hazing Act of 2018, defines hazing as acts that result in physical or psychological suffering as means for the sake of integration, which brings suffering upon members, being degraded or abused to show their commitment towards the organization. 

Atty. Jacome also addressed that the act of hazing under the law is considered ‘malum prohibitum,’ which means intention does not matter when it comes to the act of hazing, one's mere presence, or an individual doing the act with no intention to hurt or kill the victim under the eyes of the law the individual who is involved or does such acts is liable for the acts committed. 

Before ending the discussion, the students showed their commitment by raising both hands and pledging, “These hands won't haze,” affirming that they stand by their promise not to do the act of hazing. Reiterating Atty. Jacome's statement, “They say you could do everything in life, but there are things you shouldn't do.” Let hazing be one of the things you should not do.