INTRO PATTERN:
- What is ROTC and it comprises
- What are the benefits for students
- Evidence that ROTC is good - Israel - terrorists cannot penetrate this country since the whole
village underwent enough training to protect their country. All of them are willing to defend their
country. Here in the Philippines, the small number of soldiers and policemen are not sufficient to
defend the whole population of the Philippines.
- Laws that mandate it
INTRODUCTION:
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) serves as an integral part of the NSTP initiative,
aimed at offering military instruction to civilians to inspire, educate, coordinate, and prepare them for
national defense readiness. Those completing the ROTC program will join the ranks of reservists within
the Philippine Army Reserve Command. Basic ROTC focuses on equipping its graduates with the five
fundamental skills of LEAD, SHOOT, MOVE, NAVIGATE, and COMMUNICATE. These five skills are
embedded in lectures and training held under the two Military Science courses to be taken under Basic
ROTC (UPD - Department of Military Science and Tactics, n.d.).
In the Philippines, the students are presented with choices under the program of NSTP wherein it
is one of the components as a requisite to graduate, the choices include the ROTC, CWTS and LTS.
However, the problems of a voluntary military training program, has been apparent since the
implementation of Republic Act No. 9163, otherwise known as the "National Service Training Program
(NSTP) Act of 2001" The enrollment of students in the ROTC Program steadily declined, to the point that
UP Vanguard, Inc. estimated that only 14% of all NSTP graduates have undergone military training. The
problem here, as according to NYC Chairman Ronald Gian Cardema–compared to our strong neighboring
countries like Beijing, Singapore and South Korea who made military training mandatory, they can easily
mobilize their countries in times of calamities and war, which strengthens their countries and Philippines,
though it has the ultimate human resource does not undergo the training needed by the nation.
That is why bills such as Senate No. 968, which is about reinstituting the Revitalized ROTC
Program as a mandatory component in the curriculum of all undergraduate degree, diploma, certificate or
technical-vocational programs in public and private tertiary-level educational institutions nationwide must
be implemented. Additionally, it addresses several prevailing issues and concerns in the training and
mobilization of reservists. This bill seeks to ensure that the ROTC program remains relevant by including
training on external and territorial defense, internal security operation, public safety administration, and
disaster relief and risk reduction management in the ROTC Program. This bill likewise addresses the
fragmented structure of the NSTP Program by allowing the Department of National Defense, in
coordination with other government agencies concerned, to develop a standard program of instruction to
be implemented by all ROTC Units nationwide. This bill also intends to deter ROTC Officers and
administrators of ROTC Units from committing offenses by providing more stringent penalties for crimes
such as sexual harassment, hazing, bribery and extortion, among others. Finally, to ensure the readiness of
reserve officers, the bill establishes a mechanism for mobilization and training to be implemented
throughout the incumbency of a reservist in the Reserve Officer Corps.
The love of country is instilled in ROTC in a way that it fosters civic responsibility and discipline
while being trained and organized for the noble purpose of serving the country. According to Ella Vergara,
Patriotism shows love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it by their values and beliefs. It is about
sacrificing oneself for the country. Which is shown with one’s willingness to sacrifice one’s time and self
beliefs towards the strengthening of the country through mobilization and unity of the youth.
ARGUMENTS:
- REFORMED/REVITALIZED ROTC - free corruption, hazing free, honestly there is no
assurance in everything - cars can go on accident, can CWTS/ LTS really guarantee patriotism
instilled with students?
- Pag-asa ng bayan: kabataan na gustong baguhin ang bansa, training the young citizens towards
nation building, disaster response and preparedness which is not seen alone in CWTS and LTS
- How can you resolve the insufficient amount of AFPs to protect the Philippines during the face of
threats against the country?
- Ang mamatay ng dahil sayo - how can you show your willingness to sacrifice your life as stated
on the pledge, if you will only focus on community engagements?
- Tree planting, community engagement - does it make you responsible or make you a leader–the
purpose is making you a better person for the country.
- Community engagement does that guarantee that the community you will help does not abuse
your help
BENEFITS - anecdotal evidence (stats)
- Mechanisms to be developed leader - leadership
- Citizenship under training and teamwork
- Shared experience and unity as a nation that strengthens us as a united state
- Citizens readiness in rendering service in country
- Obedience to command
- Eligibility to enter the AFP and have a better life career opportunity
Living proofs:
Refer to cadet 2nd class Kricia Bico’s (St. Anthony’s college): She added that joining the ROTC did not
come off as a distraction, but it inspired her to be goal-oriented and persevering
Along with Cadet Bico, 13 others were accepted for the grant -- Cadet Maj. John Baliaran of the
University of the East; Cadet 2Lt. Arnel Ancheta of Isabela State University; Ara Jane Morta of Bicol
State University; Cadet 2Lt. Jessa Bansuelos of Pagadian Capitol College; and Christine Albore of the
University of Mindanao from the Army.
The Air Force, on the other hand, named Cadet. Lt. Col. Alvin Collarin of Cronasia Foundation College,
Inc.; Cadet Col. Angela Decale of Western Mindanao State University; Cadet Maj. Ella Geanga of South
East Asian Institute of Technology; and Loui Umpad of the Philippine State of College of Aeronautics.
Meanwhile, the Navy offered Cadet Commander Joshua Mellarpis of John B. Lacson Foundation
Maritime University; Cadet Commander Beatrix Castillote of the Iloilo State College of Fisheries; Cadet
Lt. Junior Grade Eljane Ponce of Iligan Capitol College; and Cadet Midshipwoman Jessica Telan of the
University of Makati.
Elvin John M. Baal, Cadet Colonel - leuitenant 2017- Xavier Ateneo – When you are in the program, it is
expected that you will be trained in the rudiments of military service to become a reservist. However, you
must ensure to enjoy the program as you enhance yourself; build in you the values of integrity, duty, and
loyalty; develop a sense of leadership; and above all, to instill patriotism and love for our country.”
Former Senator : atty. Joey D Lina.
All the marching drills and the various formations that cadets execute under the hot sun have their
purpose. Leadership skills, teamwork and unity are developed and the grueling exercises instill the value
of discipline and sacrifice to achieve common objectives. During our school days at Osmeña High School
in Tondo, military training was viewed as a sort of a rite of passage from adolescence towards adulthood.
Sporting long hair was the fad then, and like others in the bloom of youth, I didn’t want to go against the
trend by having the short haircut required for the training. But it didn’t take long for us to learn and
appreciate the value of humility and obedience to authority.
To gain widespread acceptance and make the public realize the necessity of ROTC in our country’s
development and security, there is a need to enhance the program and put in place the necessary
safeguards to avoid past mistakes.
Lee said when he started building Singapore’s defense system to the exemplar that it is today: “We had to
re-orientate people’s minds to accept the need for a people’s army and overcome their traditional dislike
for soldiering… Only if we changed people’s thinking and attitudes could we raise a large citizen army
like Switzerland or Israel.”
With public acceptance of an improved ROTC program, it would then be easier to implement, if the need
should arise, the provision (Article 2, Section 4) in the 1987 Constitution which states that “Government
may call upon the people to defend the State and, in fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required,
under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.”
SAFETY ASSURANCE
The statements from Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, and Senator
Ronald Dela Rosa indicate a strong commitment to ensuring that hazing is prohibited and
safeguarded against in the proposed bills reviving mandatory ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training
Corps) in the Philippines.
Senator Estrada emphasized that hazing is explicitly prohibited in his version of the
measure, and he proposed imposing the maximum penalty under existing laws against hazing. He
also likened hazing to bullying and emphasized that it should never be tolerated in any activity
due to its tragic consequences, even with existing laws against it.
Senator Gatchalian also assured that the proposed law contains airtight safeguards against
hazing. Additionally, he highlighted that Senate Bill No. 1551, which he authored, includes a
prohibition against hazing in the ROTC program and adopts penalties similar to those outlined in
the anti-hazing law.
Senator Dela Rosa pointed out the existence of local and national grievance boards that
can conduct investigations into reported or monitored abuses within the ROTC program, further
bolstering the safeguarding measures against hazing.
Overall, these senators are emphasizing the importance of preventing hazing within the
ROTC program through stringent penalties and mechanisms for oversight and investigation.
BENEFITS
This measure mandates the Department of National Defense (DND), the Department of
Education (DepEd), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to
collaborate in designing and formulating the program, in consultation with relevant government
agencies and private stakeholders. Moreover, graduates of the ROTC program are granted
eligibility for commissionship/lateral entry and enlistment in various branches of the Philippine
security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National
Police (PNP), the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
(BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). This provision underscores the significance of
ROTC in preparing individuals for roles in national defense and public safety, providing them
with opportunities for service and leadership within these organizations.
The bill also stipulates that those undergoing Basic ROTC and those accepted in the
ROTC Advanced Course shall be provided with free hospitalization in any government hospital
in case of accident or injury during the training.
They shall further be given access and privileges with any AFP Commissary and Post
Exchange Stores nationwide.
____________________________________________________________________________
In today's world, where everything is connected online, knowing how to stay safe on the
internet is crucial. During a recent ROTC training day at Rizal Technological University, the
cadets learned about this from SSg Romeo L Gozo Jr (SC) PA. They had a Cyber Security
Awareness and he explained how hackers can get into people's personal information online, like
their passwords or bank details. This lesson showed the cadets why it's important to be careful
online.
SSg Gozo's talk wasn't just about military stuff—it was about everyday life. He taught the
cadets how to spot tricks that hackers use, like fake emails or websites. This knowledge isn't just
handy for soldiers; it's something everyone should know to protect themselves in our digital
world.
Including cybersecurity in ROTC training shows that ROTC cares about more than just
military skills. It's about preparing cadets for the real world, where staying safe online is just as
important as knowing how to march or shoot. By teaching cadets about cybersecurity, ROTC is
making sure they're ready for whatever challenges come their way, both in and out of the military.
By bridging the gap between military training and computer science expertise, ROTC
ensures that you're ready to excel in both aspects, making a positive impact wherever your future
endeavors take you.
CONS:
- How can u be sure na there’s no rape and karahasan as well as corruption and hazing - rotc na
walang violence - schools with no record
Exisiting articles
CAT training in Ann Arbor there are no power tripping
- You don’t need violence for patriotism - patriotism is about discipline, about values, rotc does not
promote violence but rather the values developed
- They are scared to battle/ instilling fear and forcing them to by not letting them graduate - blind
obedience and false patriotism (Counter argument: uniting people for one goal - because if you
have an army of 100 but wants to go to other directions, ultimately, it will fail)
- If you will be questioned, will you take ROTC? Why?
- What went wrong before - abuse (how to prevent the lives being risked)
- Are u willing to be killed for the wrong reasons
- Anxious parents
- Costs (financial cost > attire and time) Rules are imposed towards the right and proper attire-
ROTC cadet officers are eligible for scholarship grants if their grades average 88 percent or
higher. Aside from scholarship grants, ROTC cadet officers are also provided with a PHP2,500
subsistence allowance of 15 days per semester. Bico encouraged the incoming college freshmen
to choose ROTC so they can avail of these benefits and to develop their potentials as dynamic
leaders. (Philippine News Agency, 2020). Provide data: With her good performance in academics
and the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Cadet 2nd Class Kricia Bico’s efforts paid off
when she received financial aid worth PHP50,000 from the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (CSAFP).
- How will you impose patriotism that resents the ROTC - show their benefits as well, what’s in it
for them and it is about instilling additional values towards service for people. Better lifestyle
because of discipline. It is a way for being a better person, because of discipline, responsibility
and integrity.
Effect as an individual
- Results of the survey show that 78% of respondents nationwide support mandatory ROTC in
college
COUNTER ARGUMENT:
- Essence of military training: What’s in it for students: Character developed - patriotism, how?
What’s in it for the country: strengthens and mobilization
- Threats ng ph
Mark Welson Chua, a UST student who exposed corruption among Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
officials, was killed by a fellow student. Defendants during the trial claimed that Chua died in fraternity
hazing rites - Yolly Villanueva Ong - news writer in Rappler
As emphasized by Amelita (Mark's mother), Mark's desire for ROTC underscores the potential
benefits of the program. With that, we stand by Mark's side because he believed in the Reserve Officers'
Training Corps (ROTC). As we commemorate his legacy, we must remain committed to the idea of a
mandatory ROTC that reflects principles of transparency, fairness, and national service, which the
revitalized mandatory program offers. It's crucial to recognize Mark's unwavering support for the
program—one that prioritizes integrity and accountability, aspects that the revitalized mandatory ROTC
aims to address. Again, through the implementation of the reformed MANDATORY ROTC and ensuring
strict oversight, we can fulfill Mark's aspirations for a ROTC that he wanted—one that fosters leadership,
discipline, and patriotism among our youth while safeguarding their well-being.
Possible REBUTTALS for counter argument of AGAINST group
numbers of ROTC victims that died because of Power tripping of higher ups and allegations of hazing and
abuse
The death's wayback then does not define the ROTC as a whole. The occurrence
of a situation like that is highly likely to not happen to this day as implementing stricter
regulations, oversight, and accountability measures, are pushed through by the
government which can help mitigate such occurrences while preserving the beneficial
aspects of ROTC.
● edukasyon, hindi bala
The ROTC does not only focus on the physical skills. It also provides valuable education
and training opportunities other than military skills. It helps people to foster leadership,
teamwork, and civic responsibility, which are the essentials for a person’s personal and
professional development. In addition, ROTC scholarships provide financial assistance
for students pursuing higher education.
● kulang ng pondo, mangungutang pa ng ilang bilyon para maisagawa. Kung sa edukasyon palang
kulang na ng pondo bakit pa magbubukas ng panibagong programa?
- The long-term benefits, such as national security and preparedness, justify the
investment. Additionally, alternative funding sources, partnerships with the private sector,
or reallocation of existing resources can be explored to support the program without
significantly impacting other educational priorities.
● *China context* kung sugurin daw tayo ng China, walang-wala pa rin kahit maging mandatory
ang ROTC, If we will compare daw yung quality and number of tangke ng China to PH. One
snap lang daw tayo.
- The ROTC can contribute to national defense in many ways. Having a pool of trained
reservists who can support the armed forces of our nation can lessen the burden or
provide a better organization in case of a war occuring. Also, ROTC instills patriotism
and a sense of duty among citizens, which are crucial elements of national defense
beyond the sheer quantity of military weapons.
● Paano yung mga students na may health problems kung gagawing mandatory ang rotc?
The approval of House Bill No. 8961 by the House of Representatives marks a significant
step towards the implementation of mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in the
Philippines.
The bill outlines exemptions from the ROTC program, which include individuals who are
deemed physically and psychologically unfit, those with prior military training experience, and
varsity players representing their schools. These exemptions aim to ensure that students facing
health issues or with existing military knowledge are not obliged to undergo redundant training,
while also recognizing the commitments of varsity athletes.
Overall, the approval of House Bill No. 8961 represents a comprehensive effort to
enhance the ROTC program in the Philippines, ensuring its relevance in national security efforts
and providing valuable opportunities for graduates to contribute to the country's defense and
public safety sectors.
POSSIBLE CLOSING STATEMENT WITHOUT THE CONTEXT OF THE OPPOSITION
ARGUMENT
In conclusion, the case for mandatory ROTC in the Philippines stands on the pillars of national security,
civic duty, and personal development. As we've explored, we firmly believe that the ROTC program
offers invaluable benefits not just for individual students, but for our nation as a whole.
First and foremost, mandatory ROTC ensures that our country is equipped with a pool of trained
reservists ready to respond to any threat or emergency. In a world where security challenges abound,
having a strong reserve force is essential for safeguarding our sovereignty and protecting our citizens. The
examples from other nations like Israel demonstrate how a well-prepared civilian population can serve as
a formidable defense against external threats.
Moreover, ROTC instills in our youth the values of discipline, leadership, and patriotism. These
are qualities that are sorely needed in our society today, where civic responsibility often takes a backseat
to personal interests. By mandating ROTC, we are not just building a stronger military, but also nurturing
a generation of responsible and engaged citizens who are committed to serving their country.
Additionally, the reformed and revitalized ROTC program addresses past concerns about
corruption, hazing, and abuse by implementing stricter regulations and oversight mechanisms. With
safeguards in place, we can ensure that the program operates with integrity and fairness, while still
delivering its intended benefits.
Furthermore, the financial and educational incentives offered through ROTC scholarships and
training opportunities provide tangible benefits for students, helping to alleviate the burden of education
costs while preparing them for future careers in the military or civilian sectors.
In essence, mandatory ROTC is not just about marching drills and military exercises—it's about
shaping the future of our nation by empowering our youth, strengthening our defense capabilities,
instilling basic skills, and fostering a culture of service and sacrifice. It's about building a better, more
resilient Philippines—one cadet at a time.
As we move forward, let us embrace the vision of a mandatory ROTC program that reflects the values
and aspirations of our nation. Let us work together to ensure that every Filipino student has the
opportunity to contribute to the defense and development of our beloved country. The time for mandatory
ROTC is now, and the future of our nation depends on it.
In closing, let us reflect on the solemn words of our national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," which remind
us of the profound duty we have to our country: "Ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo" ("To die for you"). These
words encapsulate the ultimate sacrifice that one can make in service to our nation. While the idea of
giving one's life for our country may seem daunting, it embodies the unwavering dedication and loyalty
that every Filipino should possess.
By embracing mandatory ROTC, we are not merely paying lip service to this noble sentiment; we are
actively preparing our youth to embody it in their actions and deeds. We are equipping them with the
skills, values, and sense of duty necessary to defend our nation, even at the risk of their own lives.
In the face of external threats and internal challenges, the spirit of "Ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo" serves as
a rallying cry for unity, resilience, and patriotism. It is a reminder that our individual sacrifices, no matter
how small, contribute to the greater good of our country and its people.
Therefore, let us heed the call of our national anthem and embrace mandatory ROTC as a means to fulfill
our duty to our country. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who have come before us and pave the way
for a brighter, more secure future for generations to come. "Ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo" is not just a line
in a song—it is a solemn pledge, a commitment to uphold the values and ideals upon which our nation
was founded. Together, (with Revitalized Mandatory ROTC), let us strive to live up to that pledge and
build a stronger, more united Philippines. Maraming salamat po.
