CAGAYAN de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez today criticized the decision of a Baguio City court that found two Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets charged in the hazing death of freshman Darwin Dormitorio in 2019 guilty of “slight physical injuries.”
“I am utterly disappointed with the verdict, which is like a slap on the wrist. The kid-gloves decision will not discourage hazing. It is a travesty of the Anti-Hazing Law,” he said.
He said the judge missed the chance to show to every fraternity member, alumnus and university/college official and faculty member involved in supervising fraternities “that the crime of hazing does not pay.”
“Anyone participating in this cruel and deadly activity should pay a heavy price to discourage similar offenses in the future. The law must be applied to its fullest extent so we can save lives,” he said.
Rodriguez added that so far, no one involved in the death of Dormitorio and other hazing victims has received severe punishment.
The Mindanao lawmaker also called for a speedier disposition of hazing cases.
“Darwin Dormitorio, my constituent in Cagayan de Oro City, was beaten to death by his PMA seniors in September 2019, or four years next month. His family is still grieving because justice remains elusive. The four-year pendency of the case is adding insult to injury,” he said.
He said PMA officials who, under the Anti-Hazing Law, could be held responsible for Dormitorio’s death, have since been promoted and have retired.
The Baguio Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1 on Friday found PMA cadets Julius Tadena and Christian Zacarias guilty for “slight physical injuries” and sentenced them to 30 days of imprisonment. They were also ordered to pay P100,000 in damages and P50,000 in legal fees.
Both Tadena and Zacarias will still be facing hazing charges along with another cadet.
The court acquitted two PMA doctors and one ranking officer of the PMA hospital of the charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Principal suspects and third-class cadets Felix Lumbag Jr. and Shalimar Imperial Jr., both under military custody, are still facing murder and hazing charges related to Dormitorio’s death.
Then 20-year-old Dormitorio died just two months after he started his schooling in PMA.
