Senate panel cites Aegis Juris Fraternity leader in contempt, orders detention
The Senate public order committee cited in contempt the leader of the fraternity after refusing to answer the questions linked to the death of hazing victim Horacio Castillo III.
Arvin Balag, along with some members of the Aegis Juris, invoked his right to self-incrimination when he was asked by Senator Grace Poe if he holds a position in the fraternity.
He insisted that it was one of the elements after being charged with the violation of Anti-Hazing Law.
Despite his refusal to answer the questions, he signed documents before in the University which identifies him as the president of the fraternity.
Poe then made a motion to cite Balag in contempt, which was seconded by Senator Joel Villanueva.
Moreover, Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the committee, directed the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms to place Balag under detention after the hearing.
“You just answer straight, don’t be evasive..Why would it incriminate you kung i-affirm mo lang yung nasa record ng UST?,” Lacson said as he placed Balag under detention.
Poe urged other frat members to name anyone from the fraternity that intimidates them not to answer.
“Mr. Chair, yung ating mga kasama dito… alam niyo dapat isama niyo na rin ito sa inyong affidavit or sa inyong salaysay, kung mayroong nananakot sa inyo. Kasi parang, ayaw ninyong magbanggit ng mga pangalan. Mayroon bang nananakot sa inyo?,” Poe said.
“Kasama ‘yan, so dapat managot din sila, dahil ito lamang ay hindi dahil sa nangyari kay Mr. Castillo. Kung may mga ibang bata na ginigipit ng mga kasamahan sa frat, ay dapat talagang managot din.”
The senator reminded them of the fraternity’s motto “Do no injustice, suffer no injustice”.
Poe pointed out that their refusal to answer only brings injustice to their schoolmate.
Castillo’s mother Carmina also submitted her son’s laptop to supply more evidence o about the fraternity’s connection.
On September 25, John Paul Solano, the fraternity member who brought Castillo to the hospital, said in his testimony that Balag is the leader of the fraternity.
He also said that it was Balag who told him to lie to authorities that he found the body of Castillo along a sidewalk in Tondo. Solano added that Balag ordered him and other members of the Aegis to deactivate their social media accounts . — W.N.O.
