SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian lauded the Department of Justice for filing criminal charges against seven members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity for violations of the Anti-Hazing Act over the death of John Matthew Salilig.

“This serves as a cold warning to our fraternities that the Anti-Hazing Law is at work, and that when you commit a crime, the long arm of the law will find you and justice will be served,” Zubiri said.

“Sa mga pasaway at patuloy na nagsasagawa ng hazing, sinisiguro ko sa inyong wala kayong ligtas sa Anti-Hazing Law. Haharapin niyo rin ang batas, at mabubulok rin kayo sa kulungan,” he added.

Gatchalian said the DoJ’s indictment of seven members of the fraternity is a welcome development.

“I join our countrymen, especially John Matthew’s family, in staying vigilant until justice is served and those who violated the law are held accountable,” Gatchalian stressed.

“The message to those who continue committing hazing should be loud and clear: that they will not get away with their ghastly crimes and their mockery of the law. The culture of violence masked as brotherhood should stop now,” he said.