A YOUTH group has reiterated its opposition to the proposed Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act, which mandates basic military and civic training for all college and university students.

Kabataan Partylist first nominee and lawyer Renee Co criticized the proposal, stating, “While state universities and colleges face a collective ₱14.4 billion budget cut, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for a ₱61.2-billion Mandatory ROTC program. This will further burden students, faculty, and administrators already grappling with insufficient classrooms.”

The group argued that the proposed budget for mandatory ROTC could instead fund the construction of 24,480 classrooms, significantly improving the country’s education quality.

Mandatory ROTC was abolished in 2002 following the 2001 murder of ROTC cadet Mark Welson Chua, allegedly by senior ROTC officers, exposing corruption and abuse within the program.

The youth group continues to cite these issues as reasons for opposing its revival.

Senator Expresses Dismay Over Delayed Implementation of Inclusive Education Act

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed frustration over the delayed implementation of Republic Act No. 11650, the Inclusive Education Act, during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

The law mandates services and reasonable accommodations for learners with disabilities in both public and private schools, including support based on an Individualized Education Plan.

“The law was signed on March 11, 2022, but the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were only finalized on July 18, 2024—almost two years later. Yet, the IRR has not been published. What is causing the delay?” Gatchalian asked DepEd officials.

DepEd responded that the IRR was expected to be published on Monday, December 2, 2024.

Gatchalian emphasized the law’s importance, noting that it provides specialized services to ensure learners with disabilities receive quality education. He highlighted that this landmark legislation aligns the Philippines with advanced nations in promoting equal educational opportunities for all citizens.