On mandatory military service

The recent statement of vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte on compulsory military service produced mixed reactions from her supporters and critics.

Those against the mandatory training claimed that the program was tainted with abuses and corruption. It is the main reason the law was repealed and amended.

Those who support the call for its revival said that it is timely and good for the country because it can instill patriotism, nationalism, and discipline in the young generation.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article II, Section 4: “The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect people. The Government may call upon to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.”

In addition, Article II, Section 13 thereof, further recognizes the role of the youth in nation-building where it states that: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral-spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism, nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) used to be mandatory but later became optional and voluntary for college students following the signing of the Republic Act (RA) 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) in 2001

ROTC is one of the three components of the NSTP that provides military training to motivate and train students for national defense preparedness. Two other components are the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and the Literacy Training Service.

The NSTP is part of the curricula of all baccalaureate degree courses and at least year technical-vocational courses and is a requisite for graduation. However, ROTC is made optional and voluntary.

Since the enactment of RA 9163 “NSTP Act of 2001”, the enrolment in ROTC Programs has declined dramatically. According to the Department of National Defense, around 800,000 enrollees every year when ROTC was mandatory. However, only about 14% enrolled in ROTC after its passage. Consequently, the number of reservists that fulfill the Citizen Armed Force mission has reduced. As of July 2018, there are only 398,988 total Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force.

In June 2019, Duterte certified as urgent a Senate measure mandating Grades 11 and 12 to mandatorily undergo ROTC program to “invigorate their sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary in defending the State and further promote their vital role in nation-building.”

The House of Representatives in 17th Congress approved its measure reviving the mandatory ROTC for senior high school students, but the Senate failed to pass its version of the bill.

Former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is a confirmed reservist army officer of AFP with the rank of Colonel. If she wins as Vice President, the plan to reinstate mandatory military service most probably gets easy approval in the Senate.