Pres. Duterte certifies mandatory ROTC bill urgent

The Philippines is on its way of reviving its mandatory Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC).

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has just certified as urgent the bill making

Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) mandatory, this according to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday, Duterte certified as urgent Senate Bill No. 2232, which mandates the “institutionalizing, development, training, organization, and administration” of basic ROTC for Grades 11 and 12 in public and private educational institutions.”

Students undergoing ROTC training
 (photo credit to owner)

The Chief Executive said the mandatory ROTC was needed for the Filipino youth “to invigorate their sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary in defending the State and to further promote their role in nation-building.”

November last year, the President already thought of issuing an Executive order for the revival of the mandatory ROTC if it was legally possible, citing it would “instill patriotism, love of country among our youth.”

Recently the House of Representatives passed on the third and final reading House bill 8961 which had a vote of 167-4-0. 167-Yes, 4-No, and 0-for abstained.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Oscar Albayalde said, "We are convinced that the ROTC program is designed to build a solid foundation to instill patriotism and nationalism among the youth to become useful citizens who possess the skills, knowledge and the heart to uphold and defend the country's national institutions and sovereignty."

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Report from PDI