Duterte considering EO to revive mandatory ROTC

President Rodrigo Duterte is considering the possibility of issuing an executive order to revive the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) for students in Grade 11 and 12.

In his speech during the 35th anniversary commemoration of the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) at Camp Regio de Dios in Tanza, Cavite on Thursday, Duterte said he thought about taking executive action as Congress has yet to pass a law reinstating the ROTC as a mandatory course.

"I likewise encourage Congress to enact a law that will require mandatory ROTC for Grades 11 and 12 so we can instill patriotism, love of country among our youth," he said.

"Ewan ko kung madala ito ng EO. ‘Pag madala ng EO siguro, executive order baka mapilitan ako if they do not act on it. I said that this is a constitutional requirement that you must prepare to defend your country," he added.

Enacted in 2002 under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Republic Act 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act makes the ROTC optional and voluntary for college students.

ROTC was then made one of three components of the NSTP. The two others were called the Literacy Training Services and the Civil Welfare Training Service.

Duterte said that bringing back the military program would be for the benefit of young Filipinos.

"You have a duty to perform to your country when you grow up. It is your duty to defend the identity and the preservation of the Republic," he said.

He also said other countries such as Israel, where he had an official visit last September, require civilians to undergo military training.

"Ang mga anak natin, kung hindi mo gawin, walang alam kung magkaupakan. Hindi nga marunong magkasa ng baril. What will happen?" Duterte said. — BM, GMA News