Civil Society Groups Voice Concerns Over Proposed Mandatory ROTC Bill in the Philippines

COTABATO CITY (May 24, 2024) — Civil society organizations, including forumZFD, have raised alarm over a proposed bill that mandates the reintroduction of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in Philippine colleges and universities. Senate Bill 2034, known as the “Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act,” aims to replace the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 with a mandatory four-semester ROTC program for all undergraduate students.

Critics argue that the bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives and is now in the second reading in the Senate, will perpetuate militarization in educational spaces, promote violence, and potentially lead to abuses of power. Concerns have also been raised about the bill’s impact on academic freedom and freedom of speech, with fears that increased military presence in schools could result in heightened surveillance and red-tagging of dissenting students and faculty.

The push for mandatory ROTC follows the phase-out of the program in 2002, prompted by public outrage over the murder of Mark Welson Chua, a student who exposed corruption within the ROTC. Proponents of the new bill argue that it will instill patriotism and enhance national defense capabilities amidst geopolitical tensions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

Civil society groups, however, believe that mandatory military training is not the solution. They emphasize the need for peaceful and constructive ways to engage students in national defense and civic duties. Highlighting past incidents of abuse and violence linked to ROTC, they warn that the program could exacerbate domestic conflicts and normalize the use of force in resolving disputes.

“Schools should be sanctuaries for learning and creativity, not grounds for military training. We support civic engagement and patriotism, but these should be nurtured through peace education and community service, not through compulsory military programs,” said a spokesperson from forumZFD.

The proposed bill has sparked a broader debate about the role of education in fostering civic responsibility and national defense. As lawmakers push for a swift passage of the bill by the end of May, civil society groups continue to advocate for alternative approaches that promote peace and critical thinking without resorting to militarization. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/BangsamoroToday)