Freemasonry, also known as the fraternity of Freemasons, is a fraternity that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the Middle Ages. The fraternity has a set of moral and ethical values that are based on the principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth. In the Philippines, Freemasonry has a long and rich history, with the first known Masonic Lodge being established in the country in 1856.
Despite the noble principles of Freemasonry, the practice of hazing, or the initiation of new members through physical or mental abuse, has long been a controversial issue within the fraternity. In the Philippines, hazing has been a particularly sensitive topic, as the country has a history of hazing incidents within its colleges and universities, and the practice is often associated with power dynamics and violence.
There have been numerous instances of hazing within Freemason lodges in the Philippines, with some resulting in serious injury or even death. In 2018, a member of the fraternity died during a hazing ritual in Cavite, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for the government to take action against the practice.
The use of hazing as a means of initiating new members into the fraternity is a clear violation of the principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth that are at the core of Freemasonry. It is a practice that has no place in a fraternity that purports to be based on these values.
There have been efforts to address the issue of hazing within Freemasonry in the Philippines, with some lodges adopting more stringent policies and procedures to prevent such incidents from occurring. However, much more needs to be done to eliminate the practice altogether.
The Philippine government has also taken steps to address the issue of hazing within the country, passing the Anti-Hazing Act in 1995, which imposes stiff penalties on those found guilty of hazing. However, enforcement of the law has been inconsistent, and hazing incidents continue to occur.
In conclusion, hazing is a serious issue within Freemasonry in the Philippines, and it is a practice that is completely incompatible with the values and principles of the fraternity. It is important for lodges to adopt strong policies and procedures to prevent hazing, and for the government to enforce the Anti-Hazing Act to hold those who engage in the practice accountable. Only by eliminating hazing can Freemasonry truly live up to its principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth.
