SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has refiled the proposed Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act, seeking to make ROTC training mandatory for all students enrolled in colleges and technical-vocational institutions nationwide.

The measure is one of the top 10 priority bills that Dela Rosa submitted at the opening of the 20th Congress, marking a renewed push to institutionalize military training for students — a campaign he first launched in 2019.

The original bill failed to pass into law, a setback that the senator previously expressed disappointment over.

“This time, I remain firm — no retreat, no surrender. There is no substitute for national defense, love of country, and patriotism. It is time to bring ROTC back,” Dela Rosa said.

The proposed ROTC Act mandates basic military training aimed at instilling moral virtues, patriotism, discipline, and adherence to the Constitution.

It also includes disaster response training to prepare students for participation in national emergencies or calamities.

Under the bill, students who fail to complete the mandatory Basic ROTC course will not be allowed to graduate.

Additionally, schools that fail to implement the ROTC requirement may face disciplinary and administrative sanctions from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or TESDA.

The renewed push for the ROTC program has sparked fresh debate, with supporters saying it fosters discipline and civic responsibility, while critics express concerns about potential militarization and abuse.

As legislative discussions resume, Dela Rosa vowed to continue championing the measure, saying it is essential to build a generation that is ready to serve, defend, and stand for the nation.