ROTC bill now a top priority at the Senate

(Arianne Lacanilao/PCI)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Senate will prioritize Senate Bill (SB) No. 2034, or the proposed Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act, as soon as session resumes in November, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said on Monday.

Tolentino made the assurance after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave his approval in the recent Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting.

“With the President’s go signal, the ROTC bill has been moved to Tier 1 from Tier 2 in the list of the LEDAC – making it a top priority. So, when the session resumes, we expect to discuss it right away,” he said in a statement.

He said issues like the program’s duration and curriculum, including subjects on climate change, disaster preparedness, and civics, are being considered.

Tolentino is also exploring options for smaller colleges to offer ROTC through resource pooling.

“We can make the first year the basic course, followed by advanced training in the second year. For those who wish to specialize further, we can introduce an Executive ROTC curriculum,” he explained.

Tolentino noted that the growing participation in ROTC Games and increased interest among female cadets indicate a positive shift in public perception.

He also believes that ROTC can foster patriotism among the youth amid concerns in the West Philippine Sea.