SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday reiterated her opposition to the measure reviving mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for tertiary students.

This is in connection with the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

Hontiveros stressed that the Senate should continue ensuring proper support for the AFP, especially to the Philippine Navy, instead of passing the proposed legislation.

“Tingin ko habang umiinit sa West Philippine Sea, ang pinakatamang course of action namin bilang Senado ay ipagpatuloy at judiciously dagdagan ang suporta sa military modernization lalo na sa Philippine Navy at pagsasaayos ng iba’t iba pang aspeto ng national defense, at ‘di gawing excuse ‘yan. Ang isang tingin ko hindi tamang policy direction na gawing mandatory ang ROTC sa mga mamamayan natin na hindi naman ‘yon ang paraan nila para magsilbi kay Inang bayan,” she said.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa stressed the need for the mandatory ROTC to have more reservists that can be tapped in any eventuality.