UST law professors express support for dean Divina

Faculty members of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law expressed support for their Dean Nilo Divina as he faces charges over the death by hazing of law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo.

"We, the professors of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, express our full support for our Dean, Atty. Nilo T. Divina. We firmly believe that he has acted with utmost circumspection, propriety and impartiality as dean. We have personally witnessed how he has been fair and just to all students, regardless of their affiliation," the professors said in a Manifesto of Support dated October 20.

"We know for a fact that he has not hesitated to take action against any student, including members of fraternities, for various infractions or non-compliance with academic requirements," they added.

Divina, a notable member of the Aegis Juris fraternity, is facing charges for murder, perjury, violation of the Anti-Hazing Law (Republic Act 8049) and obstruction of justice.

Castillo had attended Aegis Juris' welcoming event on the night of September 16, and the next day died of a heart attack brought about by the trauma inflicted on him.

In their supplemental complaint, Castillo's parents said Divina admitted, during the Senate inquiry on September 25, that he was aware about the law student's hazing and injuries supposedly at the hands of members of the Aegis Juris fraternity even before the parents were informed.

The UST law dean also allegedly did not act on the information.

“It is also worth noting that respondent school administrators [Divina and UST Faculty of Civil Law secretary Arthur Capili] are complicit in the cover-up of the hazing and murder of our son,” the complaint stated.

The Faculty of Civil Law also said they "lament the efforts to implicate [Divina] in the recent hazing incident involving Aegis" and are confident that he will be vindicated.

Divina had said the complaints against him were "baseless," maintaining his strict position on the anti-hazing policy.

“I am sure it is baseless since I have not breached any law and have always discharged my functions as Dean with utmost diligence,” Divina said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News