SENATOR Robinhood Padilla on Tuesday said that mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps will teach the youth discipline and prepare them to deal with disasters and emergencies.

The senator believes that mandatory ROTC will also teach the youth respect for human rights and humanitarian law.

Padilla filed Senate Bill 236 or the proposed Mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps Act.

“Kasanayan sa Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. Isa po ito sa naiibang sangkap ng panukalang batas na ating inihain dito sa main taas na Kapulungan. Naniniwala ang inyong lingkod na magiging napakahalagang sangkap po ng Mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps ang kaalaman sa pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao kaalinsabay ng pagsasanay para sa ating national defense program,” he said.

He added the basic ROTC program will have training for external and territorial defense, including dealing with potential conflicts in the West Philippine Sea.

“Naniniwala ako na nararapat lamang na maihanda natin ang ating mga kabataan upang matiyak ang seguridad ng Estado sa oras na hingin nito ng pagkakataon,” the senator said.

Padilla clarified that those who are physically and mentally unfit will be exempted from participating in the program.

Exempted as well are those with issues due to faith, as well as those who underwent similar military training from a previous undergraduate degree or diploma program.