Senate panels recommend stiff penalties for risky frat hazing rites
Two Senate committees have recommended that fraternities, sororities and allied organizations be fined P20-million when their initiation rites result in the death or physical injury to those who want to join their organizations.
This was contained in Committee Report No. 92 prepared by the Senate committees on justice and human rights and public order and dangerous drugs following public hearings on the death of Adamson University student John Salilig.
It is believed that Salilig died during initiation rites of Tau Gamma Fraternity in Cavite and that his body was thrown in Laguna last March.
The two committees increased the penalty to life imprisonment for those who conspired and consented to the use of violent methods during initiation rites and also penalized fraternities and sororities.
They recommended that fraternities and sororities in and outside of schools are obligated to register with  the data base of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
If these organizations refuse, the government will presume that they will be engaged in illegal activities.
Fraternity members have maintained that hazing or initiation rites are part of their tradition.
The two committees also recommended that schools would be fined P5 million if they do not conduct orientation to students on the risks they face when they join fraternities or sororities or similar organizations.