OPEN LETTER: Hazing at Ateneo Law School

May 5, 2012

Father Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ
President, Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Philippines

Dear Fr. Villarin,

I write to you wearing two hats — first, in my capacity as incumbent President of Ateneo Alumni Australia and secondly, as Editor and Publisher of Philippine Sentinel and Philippine Tribune.

I want you to know that I am deeply shocked about a report on an on-going hazing happening at the Ateneo Law School under your very nose.

This was learned from very reliable sources whose son is a neophyte. He arrived home black and blue from bruises sustained during initiation rites currently being conducted by the Aquila Legis fraternity. He was crying, limping and couldn’t walk properly. It was further reported that the hazing will last for at least another week from today.

Unless immediate action is taken, a repeat of the Lenny Villa case which happened some 20 years ago might recur. This should not be allowed to happen. It is appalling to know that Ateneo appears to tolerate the presence of lawless brutes who seem to enjoy inflicting pain and bodily harm on helpless neophytes under the guise of initiation. I call the perpetrators cowards who should immediately be expelled from an institution that is supposedly the bastion of the Philippine legal system.

I happen to be a proud Golden Jubilarian and I plan to attend our homecoming on December this year. I am also a member of the Order of Blue Eagles (OBE). Depending on your response, I might still change my mind about joining the celebrations and/or withdraw my membership from the OBE.

Incidentally, this letter is being written without the knowledge and against the wishes of the victim whose identity I cannot disclose at this time. It is being circulated around the world through various Ateneo Alumni email groups of which I am a member.

I look forward to your immediate action on this matter.

Sincerely,

Dino Crescini
GS’57, HS’62, Coll’66
www.ateneoalumniaustralia.org