PUBLIC Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta believes that schools and universities must be held accountable for the hazing of their students even if it happened off-campus.

She issued the statement after meeting with the families of three hazing victims.

“Although it is still a legal question, in my opinion, these schools and universities have liability under the principle of command responsibility,” Acosta said.

“Even civil damages, they still are accountable especially after the fact that they are found not extending any help to the families of the hazing victims,” she added.

The chief public attorney questioned the failure of the Commission on Higher Education in addressing such issues.

“The CHEd, especially Chairperson Prospero De Vera [III], must be involved here, where is he now, what is he doing to these schools under his turf?” Acosta said.