Palace lauds House approval of mandatory ROTC 

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday lauded the passage of a bill reviving the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for grades 11 and 12 students in public and private schools.

“That’s good news, the President wants that passed,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the Duterte-backed bill reviving the ROTC after the resumption of plenary sessions following a three-month election break.

READ: Mandatory ROTC for Senior HS students gets final House nod

Once enacted into law, ROTC would be a requirement for graduation for senior high school students except those who are not physically or psychologically fit.

In November 2018, Duterte said he might issue an executive order (EO) for the revival of the mandatory ROTC if it was legally possible, citing it would “instil patriotism, love of country among our youth.” (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

READ: Duterte mulls issuing EO for mandatory ROTC