Lawyers involved in freshman’s hazing death could be disbarred

LAWYERS WHO are involved in the death of hazing victim Horacio T. Castillo III and the apparent attempt to cover up the crime may face disbarment, according to Senator Francis Joseph G. Escudero. “Ito ay nagko-constitute ng tinatawag nating (This constitutes what we call) moral turpitude,” Mr. Escudero, himself a lawyer, said during yesterday’s Kapihan sa Senado forum. On the same grounds, Mr. Escudero added, “student lawyers involved may not be allowed to take the Philippine Bar Exam even if they pass [law school].” Mr. Castillo, a freshman law student at the University of Sto. Tomas, was brought to a hospital where he was pronounced dead on Sept. 17 after supposedly attending a “welcome ceremony” of the Aegis Juris fraternity. At yesterday’s hearing in the ongoing Senate investigation on the incident, Supreme Court Deputy Clerk of Court Maria Cristina B. Layusa said there are elements of “obstruction of justice” in the online conversation among Aegis Juris members that manifestly pertain to Mr. Castillo’s death. Ms. Layusa also opined that for lawyers involved in the incident, “impartiality, immorality, violation of code of conduct, and obstruction of justice are grounds for disbarment.” — Arjay L. Balinbin