Pacquiao pushes for mandatory ROTC in senior HS

Sen. Manny Pacquiao is a reservist with the rank of colonel in the Philippine Army. This photo – his uniform showing only his insignia as lieutenant colonel – was taken before he was given his colonel’s insignia.  (Photo by JOSEPH VIDAL / Senate PRIB)

Sen. Manny Pacquiao is pushing for the approval of a bill seeking to revive mandatory military training for senior high school students.

“Our government should not compromise the security of our land and the welfare of our people. We need to equip our youth with necessary knowledge and skills in securing and defending the country in times of national emergency,” Pacquiao said in his privilege speech on Tuesday seeking the approval of Senate Bill No. 189. which he filed in June 2016.

“Today, more than ever, we need to strengthen our commitment to put our country above self,” he added.

The full title of Senate Bill No. 189 is “An Act Providing For The Restoration Of Mandatory Military Training For All Grade 11 And Grade 12 Students By Reinstating Section 38 And 39 Of Republic Act No. 7077, Otherwise Known As The Citizen Armed Force Or Armed Forces Of The Philippines Reservist Act.”

According to Pacquiao, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROCT) would motivate, train, organize and mobilize the youth for national defense preparedness.

This bill seeks to reinstate the mission of the citizen armed force, or the reserve force, that will assist regular troops in relief and rescue during disasters among other duties.

The neophyte senator recalled the tragedy that struck Tacloban in November 2013 during the onslaught of Typhoon “Yolanda,” which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing, flattened entire villages, swept ships inland and displaced more than five million.

“Alam naman po natin ang kalunos-lunos na nangyari sa ating mga kababayan sa Tacloban,” he said.

[We all know the tragedy that struck our countrymen in Tacloban.]

““We have learned our lessons well,” he added. “Isa sa mga importanteng natutunan natin ay ang kahalagahan ng reserve force sa panahon ng mga sakuna kung saan mas marami tayong mapapagalaw na reservists na makakatulong sa ating mga kababayan na mangangailangan ng relief and rescue assistance.”

[One of the important lessons we learned is the value of a reserve force in times of calamities. We can mobilize more reservists who can help our countrymen who need relief and rescue assistance.]

Recognized problems and controversies surrounding of military training in schools, the senator said that measures would be strengthened that would ensure the accountability of the ROTC officers and everyone involved in the implementation of the program. /atm