SENATORS are considering amending Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act to give it more teeth and prevent further loss of lives following the death of John Matthew Salilig.

Senator Raffy Tulfo suggested that the school administration and the owner of the hazing venue should be held liable, especially if they had knowledge of the activity but failed to take action.

“No ifs and buts. Lahat ng mga owner ng venue dapat makasuhan at maging ng mga nag-facilitate, at lahat ng mga opisyal ng fraternity chapter ng school na ‘yan kung saan naganap ang hazing, kakasuhan din ng reclusion perpetua,” Tulfo said.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald dela Rosa said schools must implement the anti-hazing law.

“Bibigyan na natin ng diin ‘yung mabigat na parusa sa school administration na hindi ino-observe itong provisions ng batas na ito,” he said.

“’Yung amendment na gagawin mas mabigat na penalty dapat ipapataw sa eskwelahan dahil hindi nila ginagawa ‘yung kanilang loco parentis doon sa estudyante,” he added.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Daniel Perry, the master initiator, told senators that they did not undergo an orientation about the anti-hazing law when they enrolled at Adamson University.

Jan Nelin Navallasca, director of the Adamson Office for Student Affairs, denied Perry’s statement.

Dela Rosa and Tulfo emphasized the need for the schools to regulate existing groups that their students organize or participate in.