Abraham Lincoln once said, “Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes

liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have
planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.’
Your Honors, We on the affirmative side strongly believe that mandatory ROTC for
Senior High School students is BENEFICIAL based on the following contentions:
1. It will be easier for graduates who have undergone ROTC to acquire civil service
eligibility.
2. Schools will provide mandatory insurance for students taking Basic and Advance
ROTC.
3. Such mandate will raise public awareness to the important role of Citizen Armed
Force as protector of the people and the state.
4. There will be scholarship incentive for students of advance ROTC.

FIRST: Graduates who have undergone basic and advance ROTC will acquire first and
second level civil service eligibility.

This is pursuant to Sec. 7 (a) of House Bill 5509, “Graduates of two year (2) Basic ROTC and
have completed four (4) baccalaureate degree shall be considered as First Level Civil Service
Eligibility. Whereas, graduates of Advance ROTC and finished a four (4) baccalaureate degree
shall be considered Second Level Civil Service Eligibility in the Civil Service.” The Philippines
civil service examination is one of the most frequently conducted eligibility examinations locally.
Passing a civil service examination of any kind can definitely give you an advantage in your
career. More importantly, it is one of the requirements to qualify to a permanent position in the
government. In a report made by Civil Service commission on the recent 2018 examinations, it
shows that there are more than 250, 000 people who are hoping to pass and acquire civil
service eligibility. The influx of examiners is incredibly increasing and if mandatory ROTC will be
revived then it is not anymore necessary to take civil service examinations because the students
will automatically acquire it. Your honors, with the revival of mandatory ROTC to senior high
students, we are not only producing citizens army that will serve as state national guards of this
country but this will also provide more government job opportunities to students who have
undergone advance and basic ROTC. In a research study conducted by the US Army Research
Institute for the Behavioral and Social Science that participated by cadets and non-cadets of
ROTC, they say that job security the most attractive feature of Army life. Officer pay and fringe
benefits are also highly rated. It was also in the same study that shows how experiences gained
through training contribute in the increased of their marketability skills thus contributing to a high
salary goal. Likewise, graduates of this program will also be eligible for commissionship/lateral
entry and enlistment to AFP, PNP, Coast guard, BJMP and BFP. With the current Duterte
administration on force, the critical role in maintaining national security and peace and order of
AFP and other Uniformed and military personnel are being considered crucially so an increase
in salary and other benefits is to be enacted. Your honor, this is just one of the longer term
benefits the ROTC provides.
SECOND: There will be scholarship incentive for students of advance ROTC.

In the face of rising tuition costs and the increased importance of scholarships to meeting its
commission mission, Article III Sec. 43 of Republic Act. 770 expressly states that students
undergoing advance ROTC who belong to the upper five percent (5%) of their academic class
shall be provided a tuition subsidy of fifty percent (50%) of their annual tuition for the period of
their advance ROTC. This is reflected in Article XIV Sec.1 of 1987 constitution that “The State
shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”.

In a foreign setting, scholarships are granted on a competitive basis. Army ROTC scholarships
are entirely merit based. All scholarships used at Indiana University of Pennsylvania or its
partner schools pay 100 percent tuition and fees, a book allowance and a tax-free monthly
stipend ($300 for freshmen, $350 for sophomores, $450 for juniors, and $500 for seniors for ten
months per year). The revival of mandatory ROTC is a good opportunity to those youth who
wants to pursue studies but do not have the financial capacity to do. Isn’t it a great idea that
students are able to study while serving the country? Your honor, its revival will definitely help
students to establish a lifelong learning. It is clearly mandated as well in the provision of our
constitution 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 and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and
civic affairs.

Your honors, with all the arguments been sufficiently laid down, the affirmative bench is firm and
strong on its stand that ROTC should be mandatory to senior high school students.

I am now ready for my interpellation.