Duterte asks Congress to pass laws on defense, mandatory ROTC

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday asked Congress to pass laws that will help sustain government efforts in protecting the country from external and internal security threats.

Duterte, in his fourth State of the Nation Address delivered at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, called for the passage of the National Defense Act and Unified Military and Uniformed Services Personnel (MUP) Separation, Retirement and Pension Law.

He also urged lawmakers to support the proposed mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program in public and private senior high schools which failed to pass in the 17th Congress due to lack of time.

"We expect support for the legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening defense-related systems," Duterte said.

Duterte and proponents of the ROTC bill view the program's revival as means to inculcate nationalism, patriotism and discipline among Filipino youth.

Critics of the ROTC program led by the Kabataan party-list said it will only teach blind obedience among students.

The 18th Congress opened on Monday with Duterte retaining majority support in the Senate and House of Representatives. — RSJ, GMA News