SENATOR Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa is optimistic that his proposed mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps or ROTC will be passed before the State of the Nation Address of President Bongbong Marcos in July.

This was after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that they would prioritize discussions on the bill.

Dela Rosa emphasized the importance of enacting the bill, saying the ROTC program is vital for the country’s defense preparedness, especially amid the ongoing threats in the West Philippine Sea.

“With or without West Philippine Sea issue kailangan na kailangan talaga natin ‘yan. How much more na may impending threat diyan sa West Philippine Sea so all the more that we need to prepare, there’s no compromise for defense,” he said.

The senator also assured that the proposed legislation includes safeguards despite criticism that the mandatory ROTC could lead to abuses.

“Sigurado ‘yun na may safeguard tayo. Mayroon tayong establish na grievance committee sa bawat ROTC unit na miyembro nito ay DND, TESDA, at CHED, at local government unit so mayroong magbabantay at magmamasid sa mga abuso na pwedeng mangyari at meron silang moto propio investigating powers,” the senator stated.

While ROTC is not a new concept, Dela Rosa stressed that it’s a longstanding institutional practice vital for organizing the country’s defense reserves and instilling discipline among the youth.

He also highlighted the objectives of the ROTC program are widely recognized as beneficial, not just for military training but also for instilling a sense of responsibility and nationalism among students.