THE head of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) should resign, following the death of a plebe due to hazing, Malacañang said on Monday, September 23.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the call as he questioned the continued practice of hazing at the PMA despite the signing of Republic Act (RA) 11052 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
In a television interview, Panelo said the latest hazing incident merely proved that PMA Superintendent Ronni Evangelista is a "weak boss."
"If I were the superintendent and I would not know what is happening in my academy, then I have no business staying in my position," the Palace official said.
"How come there is still hazing there? I cannot even understand that. When you are the boss, then you should be telling your underlings, 'I will not allow it. I'll fire all of you. I'll put you to jail.' But if you are a weak boss, then this will happen," he added.
PMA cadet Darwin Dormitorio, 20, died on September 18, 2019 after complaining of stomach pain.
On September 20, the Philippine National Police confirmed that Dormitorio may have suffered from hazing as he sustained bruises on his stomach.
At least three PMA cadets tagged in Dormitorio's death are currently under investigation.
Panelo said that apart from Evangelista, other PMA officials should also be held liable for Dormitorio’s death.
"I think the superiors of that academy should be held accountable, from the top to the bottom. Who are supposed to know what is happening in their academy? If they cannot stop the hazing, then they have no business staying in their position. They should be charged administratively, if not criminally," he said.
"I think there should be an investigation. The House of Representatives is asking for it. And if it shows that if indeed there is a negligence on the part of the superiors, then they should be prosecuted administratively," he added.
Panelo made the call as he said the Palace was "deeply saddened and outraged" over the tragic death of Dormitorio.
Offering sincerest condolences to Dormitorio's family and loved ones, Panelo said the executive branch was confident that the authorities would implement the stiffer anti-hazing law "as they leave no stone unturned in the ongoing investigation on Mr. Dormitorio's untimely demise."
"The Office of the President condemns the barbaric practice of hazing in all its forms. As a matter of fact and policy, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, last year to ensure that all practices of hazing are checked and all practitioners thereof are penalized with the full weight of the law," he said.
On June 23, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11052, which bans all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens, military and citizens' army training.
The anti-hazing law imposes a penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P2 million on individuals behind hazing rites that may result in the death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation of a prospective member. (SunStar Philippines)