Zubiri favors mandatory ROTC, OKs changes ‘to suit modern day training’

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri speaks during a Senate session on Monday, July 31, 2023. (Photo taken by Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri approves the proposed mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

“If you ask me personally, my personal vote is yes. I will vote in favor of ROTC,” Zubiri said in an interview over ABS-CBN’s Headstart on Monday.

While the senator favors the return of the military program, he said the fate of the ROTC bill will depend on a conscience vote in Senate.

Some of his colleagues “feel strongly” against the measure.

Last week, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero challenged the legislative piece.

He asked its proponents to present a scientific study that would prove that the current National Service Training Program is a “total failure.”

Escudero also asked why women should now be required to undergo military service under the proposal.

Zubiri recognized that the program needs improvement.

He said ROTC should not just be about the usual marching of students on the school campus, holding rifles, and presenting performances.

“For example, if you’re a computer genius, you don’t have to march in the field, carry a Garand and do all the exhibitions and all,” he explained.

“You can still be in the office and school, and you can be part of the cyber warfare class, and you can be in the air-conditioned room. That’s your expertise e,” he stressed.

“So it’s not necessary… the old stereotype you see in the ROTC,” the Senate leader noted.

“It will be modified, in other words, to suit modern-day training,”  Zubiri concluded.

Lawmakers have listed the ROTC bill as one of the priority measures they expect to pass by December this year.

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