Mandatory ROTC for Senior HS students gets final House nod

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a President Duterte-backed bill reviving the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for grades 11 and 12 students in public and private schools.

During the resumption of plenary sessions after a three-month election break, the chamber approved House Bill No. 8961 with 167 affirmative votes against four negative votes and no abstention.

The proposed law was approved on second reading last February 6.

READ: House OKs mandatory ROTC for grades 11, 12 on 2nd reading

Once enacted into law, the measure would make ROTC a requisite for the graduation of grades 11 and 12 students except those who are not physically or psychologically fit, those who have undergone or are undergoing similar military training and varsity players.

Students who have other valid reasons approved by the Department of National Defense and his or her educational institution may likewise be exempted.

On November 2018, President Duterte urged Congress to expedite the restoration of ROTC for senior high school students to “instill patriotism and love of country among our youth.” (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)

READ: Duterte mulls issuing EO for mandatory ROTC