A recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia revealed that 69 percent of Filipinos are in favor of reinstating the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in schools. The survey, commissioned by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri in December of last year, showed strong support for the proposal across different regions of the country.
According to the survey results shared by Zubiri with Senate reporters, 79 percent of respondents in Mindanao, 74 percent in the Visayas, 67 percent in Metro Manila, and 63 percent in balance Luzon agreed with making the ROTC program mandatory for all young people. Only 17 percent of respondents disagreed with the proposal, while 14 percent were undecided.
Another Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian in March of last year found that 78 percent of respondents agreed with making the ROTC program mandatory for all students in college.
Zubiri emphasized that the results of the survey demonstrate strong public support for the revival of the mandatory ROTC program, which was made optional in 2002 following the death of a cadet. He urged giving the bill a chance, noting that it contains safeguards to prevent hazing.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who sponsored the measure on the floor, expressed gratitude to Zubiri for prioritizing the plenary interpellation of the bill in May to hasten its approval.
