EXPLANATION OF VOTE: Anti-Hazing Act of 2018

EXPLANATION OF VOTE: Anti-Hazing Act of 2018


Senate Bill No. 1662Anti-Hazing Act of 2018


Honorable Win Gatchalian, Senator of the Republic, voting YES on the measure:


Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, I am proud to manifest my wholehearted support for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1662, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. Now that both chambers of Congress have approved legislation to amend and revitalize the twenty-three year old Anti-Hazing Law, Republic Act No. 8049, it is all but certain that we will be able to deliver the final version of the bill to the President for his signature by the end of this school year.

This is an achievement that anti-hazing advocates have long awaited. Finally, after years of tireless dedication to the cause, we are so close to implementing meaningful legal reforms which will completely prohibit hazing in all its forms, and ensure that those who commit hazing – and anyone who would dare conceal or cover-up their crimes – will be held accountable for their crimes before the courts of law.

Mr. President, the passage of this bill into law won’t be able to restore the young and promising lives taken from the Castillos, the Servandos, and all of the other families who have lost loved ones due to the tragic evil of hazing. However, I hope that these families will take pride in knowing that their strong and courageous voices have had a fundamental impact in shaping this legislation, so that hopefully, no more families will be made to endure what they have.

At bilang panghuli, Mr. President, nais kong magbigay ng payo sa lahat ng mga fraternities, sororities at organisasyong patuloy na nagtutulak ng hazing bilang pamamaraan ng kanilang kapatiran: Ito na ang huli ninyong pagkakataon para ayusin ang mga baluktot ninyong paniniwala.

Sa oras na maisabatas ang panukalang ito, tinitiyak ko na wala na kayong palusot na maaari pang gamitin para takasan ang inyong mga maling gawi at pananagutan. Kaya sana naman, itigil niyo na yan bago pa mahuli ang lahat sa inyo. Wala na kayong takas sa susunod.

Thank you, Mr. President.