OFFICIALS of the Cebu Provincial Government welcome the approval of a law that severely punishes those who practice hazing in fraternities and sororities.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said the passage of Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 will help reduce the practice of hazing as a rite of passage in some fraternities and sororities, which has led to death in some cases.

Davide, a member of the University of the Philippines Sigma Rho Fraternity, said that fraternities and sororities can always do other rituals of passage aside from hazing so as not to demean their members.

Provincial Youth Commission (PYC) executive director James Canoy also welcomed the passage of the new law.

He encouraged schools in Cebu to screen fraternities and sororities thoroughly and not just accredit them on the basis of documentary requirements.

Based on Republic Act 11053, those who will be found guilty of hazing could face life imprisonment and will be required to pay a fine of at least P3 million. (JKV)