Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11053)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11053 is the "Anti-Hazing Act of 2018."
Hazing refers to any act that results in physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member as part of initiation rites, including but not limited to paddling, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, forced consumption, or any brutal treatment likely to affect physical or psychological health. It includes activities that humiliate, embarrass, degrade, or endanger such persons by requiring them to do silly or foolish tasks.
Yes, all forms of hazing are prohibited in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including military training and similar institutions. The law applies to both school-based and non-school-based groups such as community-based fraternities and sororities, with specific exceptions for approved physical and psychological fitness tests in the AFP, PNP, and similar institutions.
Schools only allow initiation rites or practices that do not constitute hazing. A written application must be submitted to proper school authorities at least seven (7) days before the initiation, indicating details like place, date, names of recruits, manner of initiation, an undertaking that no harm will be committed, duration not exceeding three (3) days, officers involved, and must be posted on bulletin boards under oath.
The head of the school or authorized representatives must assign at least two (2) school representatives to be present during initiations. Their duties include ensuring no hazing is conducted, documenting the event, and reporting to appropriate school officials. They are not liable if hazing occurs despite their presence unless they failed to perform an overt act to prevent or stop it.
All existing and new fraternities, sororities, or organizations with student members must register with the proper school authorities before conducting activities. They must submit a comprehensive list of members updated every semester or trimester. Failure to register or update leads to cancellation of registration and possible disciplinary sanctions.
Every fraternity, sorority, or organization must have a faculty adviser who is not a member of the group and must consent in writing. The adviser is responsible for monitoring activities. If violations occur, it is presumed the faculty adviser had knowledge and consented to the unlawful acts.
No, any form of approval, consent, or waiver by a recruit, neophyte, or applicant regarding hazing is null and void and without binding effect. Consent to hazing is not a valid defense for those prosecuted under the law.
They face reclusion perpetua (imprisonment for 20 years and 1 day to 40 years) and a fine of Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00).
Schools must exercise reasonable supervision like prudent parents, implement information dissemination on hazing consequences, conduct orientation on fraternity or organization membership, encourage positive activities, and impose disciplinary sanctions for violations consistent with school rules.