Sigma Rho Explained

Sigma Rho
Letters:Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΡ
Crest:File:Sigma_Rho_Fraternity_seal.png
Alt:Sigma Rho seal
Motto:Seekers of the Right
Birthplace:University of the Philippines College of Law
Affiliation:Independent
Status:Active
Type:University
Scope:University of the Philippines Diliman
Colors: Maroon, Green,
White and Gold
Symbol:Fraternity seal
Address:University of the Philippines Diliman
Chapters:1

The Sigma Rho Fraternity (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΡ) is a College of Law-based fraternity in the University of the Philippines Diliman.[1] [2] Having been formally organized in 1938, it is the oldest law-based Greek-letter fraternity in Asia.[3] [4] However, it has also expanded its membership base to include undergraduate students, including those studying for degrees in engineering, business, and sports science. It is one of the three fraternities based in the College of Law, the other two being Alpha Phi Beta and Scintilla Juris.[5]

It is also part of Sigma Rho Philippines, an alliance of independent fraternities that were born of the same tradition, which has around 40,000 resident and alumni members from all over the country.[6]

History

Sigma Rho was founded by Charter Members Pacifico Agcaoili, Constantino Borja, Rodolpho Frayre, Joaquin Gonzales, Tiburcio V. Hilario, George V. McClure (an American Law student who was the first Grand Archon in 1939), Angel Medina, Carlos Ramos, Luciano Salazar (who later assisted Alexander SyCip in creating the law firm Sycip and Salazar), Antonio Moran Sison, Narceo Zambrano (who was the Grand Archon in 1940).[7]

The Charter Adviser was then professor and later Court of Appeals Justice Magno Gatmaitan.[8]

The fundamental law of the fraternity is that "The word of the Grand Archon is Law". Its hierarchy of loyalty is the following: first is God, second is country, third is family, fourth is the University of the Philippines, fifth is the University of the Philippines College of Law, and sixth is Sigma Rho. Meanwhile, its vows are sacrifice, loyalty, obedience, and service.

Symbols

The two letters of the Greek alphabet are its emblems for the stature of its members as "Seekers of the Right".[9] The Greek initials also stand for the initials of Sanchez Roman, a Spanish jurist whose scholarly commentaries on the Civil Code of Spain were authoritative references used by the students of the UP College of Law.[10]

Members of the fraternity are called "Comrades", while the fraternity’s presiding officer is called "Grand Archon", which means Chief Magistrate in ancient Greece. The treasurer is referred to as the Custodian of Funds.[11]

Notable members

Judiciary

Law

Literature

Politics

Sports

Incidents

From 1991 to 1994, Sigma Rho was involved in a total of 32 reported violent incidents between fraternities in the UP campus.[37]

In 1994, Sigma Rho member and UP Law student Dennis Venturina died after seven Sigma Rho members were unexpectedly attacked inside the campus by the Scintilla Juris fraternity. While he was brought to the UP Infirmary by bystanders, he eventually died due to severe head injuries inflicted by lead pipes and baseball bats.[38] [39] [40] In 2019, the five UP students convicted for the murder were released from prison.[41]

In 1999, UP student Niño Calinao was shot and killed inside the campus.[42] [43] Investigators suspected that Calinao was caught in the violence between Sigma Rho and Scintilla Juris, being mistaken for a member of the latter fraternity.[44] Calinao was not a member of any fraternity.[45] The same year, several Sigma Rho members were expelled by reason of mauling members of Alpha Phi Beta.[46]

In 2000, several Sigma Rho members killed Den Daniel Reyes, a member of the Alpha Phi Beta, in front of UP Law Center.[47] The Sigma Rho members allegedly took turns in stabbing and hacking Reyes with long knives.[48] [49] In 2008, the three students accused of ganging up on Reyes pleaded not guilty to the homicide charge.[50] The same year, a Sigma Rho member was suspended for two years for possession of deadly weapons in the UP College of Law.[51]

In 2007, graduating UP student Cris Mendez allegedly died during an initiation with Sigma Rho.[52] [53] [54] Former Senator Jovito Salonga resigned as a member of the fraternity because of this incident.[55] Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile also labeled his fraternity brothers “trainor [sic] of thugs and killers” and urged them to surrender those who are responsible for the death of Mendez.[56] “I am calling on them to initiate the effort to ferret out the people responsible and kick them out of the fraternity and if necessary kick them out of school", Enrile added. In 2016, the Court of Appeals affirmed a decision allowing the preliminary inquiries conducted by the university prosecutor against students who were allegedly involved in the fatal hazing to proceed.[57] [58]

In 2016, Sigma Rho was involved in a fight with Alpha Phi Beta during the UP Law Bar Operations.[59] The next year, the fraternity was again involved in a series of altercations with Alpha Phi Beta for which the two fraternities reportedly kept score of attacks and retaliations.[60]

In 2019, a Sigma Rho member died by suicide after alleged conversations among Sigma Rho members, including photos of hazing rituals, hazing paraphernalia, hazing victims, and hateful content, were leaked online.[61] [62] Several organizations and public figures condemned the fraternity and demanded full accountability,[63] [64] including Delta Lambda Sigma – Sigma Rho's partner sorority.[65] Several members of Sigma Rho were placed under preventive suspension pending formal charges, while the UP administration called on for the public to stop forwarding messages related to the incident and for media personnel to respect the privacy of the deceased's family.[66] [67]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: University of the Philippines College of Law – Fraternities and Sororities . University of the Philippines College of Law . https://web.archive.org/web/20150207192109/http://law.upd.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=214&Itemid=409 . February 7, 2015 . dead . December 15, 2017.
  2. Web site: 2017-02-03. Advocacy Sigma Rho Fraternity. 2021-10-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20170203202902/http://upsigmarho.com/category/advocacy/. 2017-02-03.
  3. Web site: Celeridad. Paolo. In Photos: Sigma Rho at 75. 2020-07-06. Rappler. 2 August 2013. en.
  4. Web site: About Sigma Rho Fraternity. 2020-07-06. en-US.
  5. Web site: Baguio Midland Courier Website. 2021-10-16. www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph.
  6. Web site: Señeres . Ka Iking . 26 January 2012 . Homesteads Bring Hope . 2021-10-13 . PressReader.
  7. News: About the Fraternity. 8 February 2015.
  8. Web site: 2006-08-11. About the Sigma Rho Fraternity. 2021-10-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20060811052952/http://thesigmarho.org/about_us.html. 2006-08-11.
  9. Web site: Celeridad . Paolo . 2 August 2013 . In Photos: Sigma Rho at 75 . 2020-07-07 . Rappler.
  10. News: Abaya . Eduardo . Recollections on the Fraternity . 8 February 2015.
  11. Web site: 2017-03-31 . Recollections on the Fraternity Sigma Rho Fraternity . https://web.archive.org/web/20170331114450/http://upsigmarho.com/recollections-on-the-fraternity/ . 2017-03-31 . 2021-10-21.
  12. Web site: Elemia. Camille. Drilon urges Carpio to apply as next chief justice. 2019-08-01. Rappler. 28 August 2018. en.
  13. Web site: Law frats also in spotlight at CJ trial. 2019-08-01. philstar.com.
  14. Web site: Ex-SC justice Serafin Cuevas dies. 2019-08-01. Rappler. 10 February 2014. en.
  15. Web site: Nalzaro. Bobby G.. 2014-07-18. Nalzaro: Joining fraternities. 2019-08-01. Sunstar. en.
  16. Web site: 2006-04-10 . Velasco gets support from fraternity . Philippine Star . en.
  17. Web site: Public Service . Sigma Rho Fraternity . en.
  18. Web site: Ranada . Pia . 12 September 2013 . Frank Chavez: Warrior litigator, beloved father figure . 2020-07-06 . Rappler . en-US.
  19. Web site: Cabacungan . Gil . 27 April 2013 . 'The Firm' not so firm: It's breaking up . 2020-07-06 . Inquirer.Net . en-US.
  20. Web site: Sigma Rho brods forever! Panelo, Carpio still friends despite tiff over China loan . 2020-07-06 . Latest Philippine politics news today . en-US.
  21. Web site: The Philippine Earth; Without Seeing the Dawn. By Stevan Javellana. 359 pp. Boston, Mass.: Little, Brown & Co. $2.75. . The New York Times.
  22. Web site: Resume of Senator Angara - Senate of the Philippines . 2019-08-01 . www.senate.gov.ph.
  23. Web site: Lirio . Gerry . In memoriam: A silent warrior named 'Edong' . 2019-08-01 . ABS-CBN News.
  24. http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008522657 "Ex-Senate President Salonga Resigns From Fraternity After Hazing Death"
  25. Web site: 2018-07-15 . Officials back passage of tougher anti-hazing law . 2019-08-01 . Sunstar . en.
  26. Web site: Macaraig . Ayee . Enrile, Daza, Cuevas: The Octomaneuvers . 2019-08-01 . Rappler . en.
  27. Web site: DOJ resolve . 2020-07-06 . Philippine Star . en-US.
  28. Web site: Mateo . Wenceslao . Ang 'dictatorial power' sang Grand Archon . 2020-07-06 . Panay News . en-US.
  29. Web site: Elemia . Camille . Drilon admits he underwent fraternity hazing . 2019-08-01 . Rappler . en.
  30. Web site: Fratmen senators also went through hazing . 2019-08-01 . philstar.com.
  31. Web site: Mendoza . Diana G. . 12 September 2012 . Rafael M. Salas: 'Mr Population' who started it all . 2019-08-01 . Rappler . en.
  32. Web site: Outlooke Pointe Foundation (OPF) » Message from Oscar Gozos, President of the Sigma Rho Council . 2019-08-01 . opf.ph.
  33. Book: Evangelista, Oscar L. . Icons and Institutions: Essays on the History of the University of the Philippines, 1952-2000 . 2008 . UP Press . 9789715425698 . en.
  34. Web site: Antipolo mayor dies of multiple organ failure . 2019-08-01 . philstar.com.
  35. Web site: Pedrasa . Ira . LRay Villafuerte: GMA's hand obvious in CamSur bill . 2020-07-06 . ABS-CBN News . en-US.
  36. Web site: A vote for UP. 2019-08-01. philstar.com.
  37. Zarco . Ricardo M. . Shoemaker . Donald J. . 1995 . Student Organizations as Conflict Gangs, University of the Philippines, Diliman . Philippine Sociological Review . 43 . 1/4 . 69–84 . 0031-7810 . 23898534.
  38. Web site: G.R. No. 196735 - Separate Opinion . 2021-09-05 . www.lawphil.net.
  39. Web site: G.R. No. 196735 . 2021-09-05 . www.lawphil.net.
  40. Web site: Hallare . Katrina . 2019-09-04 . 5 UP fratmen convicted of murder also released from NBP . 2021-09-05 . inquirer.net . en.
  41. Web site: 2019-09-04 . Frat violence victim Dennis Venturina's dad says unaware of release of son's killers . 2021-09-05 . ABS-CBN News . en.
  42. Web site: Casualties of frat-related violence in UP . 2020-07-05 . GMA News Online . en-US.
  43. Web site: Bagares . Romel . 3 UP Sigma Rhoans charged . 2020-07-05 . philstar.com.
  44. Web site: Frialde . Mike . Gunman in UP slay case gets death . 2020-07-05 . philstar.com.
  45. Web site: Bagares . Romel . UP frat men swap charges . 2021-10-21 . Philstar.com.
  46. Web site: UP Gazette July to September 2006 .
  47. Web site: 3 former UP students plead not guilty in frat-related slaying . 2021-09-05 . GMA News Online . en.
  48. Web site: Bagares . Romel . 3 UP Sigma Rhoans charged . 2021-09-05 . Philstar.com.
  49. Web site: Mendez . Christina . Police get new witnesses on UP frat killing . 2021-09-05 . Philstar.com.
  50. Web site: 3 former UP students plead not guilty in frat-related slaying . 2021-10-13 . GMA News Online . en.
  51. Web site: UP Gazette January - March 2005 .
  52. Web site: Senate Resolution on Conducting an Inquiry .
  53. Web site: Frat alleged in neophyte's death, 12 others slam hazing . 2021-10-13 . GMA News Online . en.
  54. News: 2007-10-01 . Doctor who brought Cris Mendez to VMMC surfaces . 2008-01-03.
  55. News: Santos . Tina . 2007-09-15 . Salonga resigns from Sigma Rho . Philippine Daily Inquirer . dead . 2008-10-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080926163309/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view_article.php?article_id=88721 . 2008-09-26.
  56. Web site: 2008-06-11 . Enrile labels frat brods 'trainor of thugs, killers' . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080611025651/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=86390 . 11 June 2008 . 2021-09-04 . inquirer.net.
  57. Web site: Court of Appeals affirms UP proceedings vs hazing suspects . 2021-10-13 . Rappler . en.
  58. Web site: Punay . Edu . CA junks plea of 4 frat men in hazing case . 2021-10-13 . Philstar.com.
  59. Web site: Philippine Collegian Tomo 95 Issue 04 . 2021-10-17 . Issuu . en.
  60. Web site: 2021-10-16 . 'Kampihan'? UP LSG questions neutrality of some members over APB and Sigma Rho rift . https://web.archive.org/web/20211016190714/https://abogado.com.ph/kampihan-up-lsg-questions-neutrality-of-some-members-over-apb-and-sigma-rho-rift/ . 2021-10-16 . 2021-10-16 . Abogado.
  61. Web site: Cepeda . Mara . U.P. frat member dies after latest hazing exposé . 2020-07-10 . Rappler . en.
  62. Web site: UP student kills self over hazing . 2020-07-11 . The Manila Times . en-US.
  63. Web site: U.P. community condemns frat-related violence, impunity over leaked chat . 2021-10-13 . Rappler . en.
  64. Web site: Statement of Senator Win Gatchalian on New Allegations of Hazing in UP Diliman .
  65. Web site: 2019-09-28 . UP Delta Lambda Sigma stands against Sigma Rho's 'malicious and unlawful actions' . 2020-07-10 . www.abogado.com.ph . en-US.
  66. Web site: Marquez . Consuelo . 2019-09-27 . UP Diliman imposes preventive suspension vs students tagged in frat hazing . 2021-09-05 . inquirer.net . en.
  67. Web site: 2019-09-30 . Statement on the Sigma Rho Fraternity-related death and alleged hazing incident . 2023-01-27 . UP Media and Public Relations Office . en-US.

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