DND thanks House for approving mandatory ROTC bill on 2nd reading

The Department of National Defense (DND) has welcomed the House of Representatives' approval, on the second reading, of the proposed bill to reinstate the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for Grades 11 and 12.

In a statement, the DND claimed that the legislation would be instrumental in instilling "patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual values, respect for human rights and adherence to the Constitution" among Filipino youth.

"We thank our legislators for their strong support and appeal to both chambers of Congress to fast track this key defense advocacy of developing the Filipino youth as our nation’s future defenders, patriots and leaders," the DND said.

The defense department also expressed confidence that the bill would strengthen the country's reserve force "which is an important component of our national defense and security." 

Under the measure, the mandatory Basic ROTC program for Grades 11 and 12 will be a pre-requisite for graduation.

The measure also tasks the Defense Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to prescribe the organization and operational manual of ROTC units.

President Rodrigo Duterte has long supported the revival of the ROTC, saying that he would even consider issuing an executive order for it.

Progressive solons, however, have criticized the seeming haste with which the bill was approved.

"Bakit natin sinabing niratsada? Kasi again, in-invoke 'yung rule on closing the debate. Ilan lamang ang pinasalita, pina-interpellate tapos tinapos agad ang debate," said ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, while Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago said that the committee approved the bill even though no representative from senior high school students was able to give an opinion on the matter. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News