By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino is confident that the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for tertiary students enrolled in higher learning and vocational institutions will pass the Senate.
He believes there will be enough votes for the bill to become law.
“I believe we have reached a level of support where the ROTC program will be revived. I’m quite confident,” Tolentino said during the ROTC Games Mindanao qualifiers held on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
“The primary goal of the ROTC Bill is to encourage and develop discipline and a deep sense of nationalism among our youth.”
Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had previously included the ROTC bill among the priority legislation.
Senator Robin Padilla has also expressed support for the bill, emphasizing that through ROTC, youth can hone their skills. He noted that in other countries, even trainees with disabilities are trained in various aspects of service.
“Just because we see mandatory military service in other countries where even those with disabilities can serve, it doesn’t mean they need to crawl or carry a gun. The talents of the youth can be maximized and utilized in different ways, such as training in computer skills. There are many avenues for development. ROTC is not just about becoming a warrior; it is about developing our youth,” Padilla said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
