Redress

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs may recommend disciplinary actions, even disbarment against members of Aegis Juris who are trying to cover up the killing of Horacio Castillo III due to severe hazing. Lawyers and aspiring lawyers discussed among themselves on social media several actions to temper the family of Castillo and keep them quiet, hide or destroy evidence and how to avoid involved "brods" from being charged and prosecuted. In other words, they wanted to cover up the crime.

It's really hard to ignore the huge implications to the case, as well as to the law profession. Many were dismayed by the unbelievable actions of practicing lawyers. A transcript will be sent to the Supreme Court to come up with a recommendation as to the course of action to be taken against these lawyers. There are those calling for their disbarment. As for those aspiring lawyers, they should no longer be allowed to continue their studies, at least for law. One cannot blame those seeking such redress, after hearing the unbelievable exchanges read out loud at the Senate hearing.

The University of Sto. Tomas has also denied being indifferent to the death, I actually prefer to say killing, of Horacio Castillo III. There are those who have expressed disappointment at the alleged indifference of the university to the case. UST denied that it did not immediately take action on the incident. Perhaps many would prefer to see those involved in the fatal hazing be expelled from the university, and not allowed to enroll in other courses in UST. Past similar incidents have seen those involved in fatal hazing incidents eventually become lawyers, much to the chagrin of families who lost a loved one. Perhaps in this atmosphere of instant justice, where we have seen those suspected of being involved in illegal drugs are immediately sentenced to death, many are wishing for the same on these frat men.

There are many aspects taking place in this case. The country has seen lawyers who are willing to violate the law for the protection of a "brod" and the fraternity. If anyone is still contemplating joining a fraternity, they should really think twice about it. Fraternities are now seen in a bad light, particularly because of the actions of lawyers who put a perverted sense of brotherhood and blind loyalty to their fraternity above their sworn oaths to uphold the law and see that justice is fairly served.

[email protected].