TWELFTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

SENATE

S. No. 60

Introduced by Senator Flavier

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Not a few in society, most especially the students, complain of the compulsory nature of military training in their high school and college years, known respectively as the Citizen Army Training (CAT) and the Citizen Military Training (CMT).

There are reasons for such complaints. Some say the compulsory training is unnecessary and even eats up time that could be better spent on academic endeavours and other concerns that are of their liking. Some say that the purpose of preparatory military training such as the development of national spirit, making the youth physically strong and morally confident and preparing the youth for military service could be achieved through other means other than compulsory military training. Still some say the compulsory nature of such training impinges upon the person's freedom of choice.

Article II, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military, or civil service.

While the Constitution provides for the indispensable role of the citizens in the defense of the State, it avoids making military training a compulsory activity for the citizens. It is believed that the citizens' role in defending the State could be pursued through forms of preparation other than that of compulsory military training.

This bill aims to uphold the student and youth's right to decide what they want to pursue within the bounds of the law. Immediate approval of this proposal is earnestly solicited.

Approval of this bill is therefore earnestly requested.

Juan M. Flavier
Senator