Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

5017

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Catherine Barcelona-Reyes, M.D.
EXPLANATORY NOTE

Since the year 2000, there have already been a recorded 22 deaths due to hazing or fraternity
-violence. One would think that because of the passage of the Anti-Hazing Law in 1995, or after the
horrible deaths in the early 1990’s of Lenny Villa and Dennis Venturina, among others, pcople would
learn their lesson and hazing would eventually stop. However, the problem persists, and it seems that

unless anyone was held accountable, the deaths will keep on growing over the years.

The State’s policy on human rights is in the most simplest of terms in our Constitution — the
State shall value the dignity of every human being and guarantees full respect for human rights. The

right to life is of paramount importance, highly placed above all the other rights.

Despite this declaration of our State policy, hazing still exists, as evidenced in the numerous

deaths over the years. It is an affront to the State’s affirmation of human rights; it is a clear slap on the

face and dignity of every citizen it has claimed. It has to be ended, now.

This bill seeks to end the problem which has continued to mess up society through the years,
one that has claimed numerous innocent victims; victims who were supposed to hold future roles as

brilliant leaders and custodians of this nation.


This bill intends to limit the scope and usage of the term “hazing” and completely ban the
same. The current bill lacks the teeth to successfully finish off the hazing conundrum. Rather than
regulate the process, itis high time for the State to exercise its police power to completely ban hazing.
By banning hazing and any form of physical and psychological punishment, this bill will promote the
State’s policy on human rights and hopefully ensure that hazing no longer claims the life of our
citizens especially the Filipino Youth.

The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

HON. CATHERINE BARCELONA-REYES, MD
First District, Valnarines Norte
Representative


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5017

Introduced by Representative Catherine Barcelona-Reyes, M.D.

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8049
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ANTI-HAZING ACT OF 1995

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

Section 1. The first paragraph of Section 1 of Republic Act No. 8049, otherwise known as the “Anti-

Hazing Act of 1995”, is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Hazing, as used in this Act, is an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission-inte-
or activity of members in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing subjecting the recruit,
neophyte, member or applicant in-some-embarrassing-or humiliating situations such-as-foreing-himr-to-
do-menitl-silly,foolish-and-other-similar-tasks-or activities or otherwise subjecting him to physical or

psychological suffering, harm or injury.”

Section 2. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8049 is hereby amended to read as follows:



“Hazing, as used in this Act, shall not be allowed as a prerequisite for admission or as an

activity of members in any fraternity, sorority, or organizat

Section 3. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8049 is hereby repealed.

Section 4, The first paragraph of Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8049 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“Ifa person is subjected to hazing orotherforms-of initiation rites; suffers-any-physieaHinjtry-
ordies-as-e-resutt-thereof-the all officers, even those who did not participate, and all members of

the chapter of the fraternity, sorority or organization who actually participated in the infliction of

physical harm shall be liable as principals. The person or persons who participated in the hazing shall

suffer:”

1 xxx
2. xxx
3. xxx
9. The penalty of three months to six months in prison for any person who will be
involved in conducting a hazing activity even if there will be no need for medical

attention to those who have undergone the hazing;

10. The penalty of one month to three months in prison to all officers of the
chapter of a fraternity, sorority, or organization whose member/s are involved in a

hazing activity;

Section 5. Separability Clause. If any clause, provision, paragraph, or part thereof shall be declared

unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate, or impair any other part thereof


but such judgment shall merely be confined to such clause, provision, paragraph or part directly

involved in the controversy in which such judgment has been rendered.
Section 6. Repealing Clause. All other laws, decrees, executive orders and other administrative
issuances and parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified,

superseded, or repealed accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the

Official Gazette or in a major daily newspaper of national circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,