Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go believes that the fatal hazing of an Adamson University engineering student would not affect the push for the revival of the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
Go said ROTC is different from fraternities because ROTC is intended to instill discipline, patriotism, and a love for country in the youth.
“Iba naman po ang ROTC (ROTC is different). Iba naman po ang fraternities (Fraternities are also different). Suportado ko po ang ROTC dahil matuturuan natin ng disiplina ang ating mga kabataan (I support ROTC because it teaches discipline among our youths),” said Go.
“Makakatulong din ito na mailayo ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga (It also keeps the youths from illegal drugs),” he added.
Go has strongly denounced the reported fraternity-related hazing that led to the death of John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old Adamson University student.
"Dapat po ay kapatiran, hindi kamatayan (It should be friendship, not death),” he stressed.
He expressed his disappointment in the use of physical violence during recruitment, stating that it is not a measure of one's ability to be a good member of a fraternity or any organization.
Go urged the authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee, said he said he is ‘’about to sponsor’’ the bill seeking a revival of the ROTC for plenary debate this coming week.
Dela Rosa said the death of Salilig should not be ascribed to the Anti-Hazing law because it is not being implemented fully.
Asked on who should be blamed, Dela Rosa said the law mandates that fraternities should inform school authorities that there is a scheduled initiation rites and the school would send a representative.
However, this was not done, he added.