MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte criticized the violence inflicted by fraternity members on those who want to join their group, saying it is not a manly thing to do.
Duterte, a member of the Lex Talionis fraternity when he was a law student in San Beda, said violent acts during initiations could lead to senseless killings.
“I would not be happy to hear my fraternity killing a neophyte... You will kill someone for nothing. It’s supposed to be an academic – in pursuit of academic excellence,” the President said during a pre-recorded public address aired last Monday.
“Hindi ka maging masyadong lalaki (You won’t be manly). You cannot be more of a man even to yourself if you kill another human being who is helpless, who cannot hit you back,” he added.
Duterte previously said he was hospitalized for three days due to massive hematomas when he joined Lex Talionis.
The President said he and some of his fraternity brothers wrote to their group to do away with the physical initiation.
Duterte said fraternity members should exercise moderation in their initiations.
“If I were the father (of that neophyte), would I allow you to kill my son? Think about that. As a father, I took care of my child and did not allow mosquitoes or flies to touch my child and then you would beat him and kill him? Think about that,” he added.