TWELFTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
1st Regular Session

SENATE
S. No. ______

Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or the mandatory military training for students enrolled in colleges and universities pursuant to the National Defense Act (Commonwealth Act No. 1) finds its basis on the state principle that "Government may call upon the people to defend the State, and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service" (Section 4, 1987 Constitution).

The maintenance of a standing and regular military force is necessary for our country's defense against internal and external aggression. The existence of the ROTC then is relevant and justified in this context as the preservation of the state is an obligation of every citizen of the Philippines. However, the objectives of the compulsory military training in developing national spirit among the young, in making them physically strong and morally confident, and preparing them for military service pales amidst the many controversies and complaints aired by the students. The ROTC has been tainted allegedly with rampant graft and corruption as disclosed by students of the University of Santo Tomas whose revelation led to the gruesome death of ROTC cadet and engineering student Mark Welson Chua. The incident has agitated the clamour for the abolition of the ROTC. Despite the prevailing unfavorable perception toward the ROTC, the need to change, instead of abolish the ROTC, is a discerning move.

It is the policy of the State to ensure the protection of the people by maintaining a standing or regular military force. The State believes that through the ROTC it is providing the basic military training service to the youth who can be tapped to become members of the military reserve force. Knowing the strength and vital role of the youth in nation building, the State is resolute "to inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs" (Sec. 13, 1987 Constitution).

That the youth are being developed because they are a potential source for the military reserve force, there are other fields and endeavors where they can be developed and be useful partners of government in nation building. A recourse is encouraging youth involvement in socio-civic activities, i.e., law enforcement services; civil welfare services; environmental programs; disaster preparedness programs; and other communal programs that would inculcate civil efficiency and at the same time pave the way to actual involvement in public and civic affairs.

When the youth are exposed and involved in socio-civic activities, they develop a strong sense of volunteerism, work appreciation, love of country and love of countrymen. On the other hand, when they are subjected to the rigors of military training sans the proper psychological and social guidance, they would turn out troublemakers instead of useful citizens of our country. Moreso, the noise about the abolition of the ROTC is a testimony of the widespread discontentment in the way compulsory military training is being conducted. It is timely then to introduce changes in the implementation of the ROTC. Thus, the need to make amendments to the ROTC law and recommend for its elective application with optional socio-civic programs.

WHEREFORE, the immediate approval of the attached bill is strongly recommended.

FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
Senator