INQToday: Resist subjugation, oppression in our backyard – Marcos

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

Marcos: Resist subjugation, oppression in our backyard

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the Day of Valor said that it is unacceptable for Filipinos to be harmed as the country confronts threats to its sovereignty.

Marcos said to an audience of Filipino war veterans and representatives from allied countries like Japan and the United States that the threats to the nation persist.

Dela Rosa sure about passage of mandatory ROTC bill in Senate

Although it may not get an overwhelming vote, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he is confident that the Senate will pass the Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) bill.

“Ako, kung magka-botohan [ay] sure ako na mananalo. Pero ‘yun nga lang, hindi overwhelming,” said dela Rosa in a phone patch interview on Tuesday.

Pulse Asia survey: 69% favor mandatory ROTC for all young Filipinos

A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri showed that 69 percent of Filipinos are in favor of making Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) mandatory for all young Filipinos.

A document shared with the media on Tuesday showed that the survey was conducted from December 3 to December 7, 2023.

Pertussis cases rising in 5 regions – DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported rising cases of pertussis or whooping cough in five regions in the last six weeks.

In a statement, the DOH said that most of the cases reported involved children under five years old, with only four percent affecting adults aged 20 and older.