Duterte bares asking exemption from ROTC in college

Even as he earlier pushed to revive the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he sought exemption from the requirement when he was in college.

"Sa college, ROTC, may ginawa ako para ma-exempted ako," he said in his remarks on Tuesday before Filipino athletes who took part in the SEA Games.

"Alam mong ginawa ko, sabi ko sir, paano ba tayo? ....Itong ROTC hindi matapos-tapos.  Sabi niya, kung may sakit ka, pwede 'yan," he added.

He then ordered the camera crew to stop recording, adding, "atin-atin lang ito."

For a few seconds, he could still be heard talking: "Isip isip ko, punta ako sa San Lazaro, nagpila dun ang ...."

In June 2019, Duterte certified as urgent the bill that would bring back the ROTC in public and private senior high school.

The bill, however, did not pass Congress.

In January this year, a month before the campaign period, Duterte's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said she would push for mandatory military service for Filipinos aged 18 years old if she wins as vice president.

Fears were raised on the return of the mandatory ROTC after Sara Duterte won in the elections and was announced the next head of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Her spokesperson, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, however, said there were no discussions yet with DepEd on the mandatory ROTC.

In his speech before the athletes, Duterte lauded them for  "showcasing your talents and giving your best despite the limitations in your training due to COVID-19 pandemic."

"I graduated sa high school, seven years, ni minsan sa buhay ko walang panahon na umakyat ang nanay ko, lalo na ang tatay ko sa stage.  Hindi naman ako atleta, payat kasi ako," Duterte said.—LDF, GMA News