Christian Joseph I.

Acutina BSA-1A

THE MARK WELSON CHUA CASE

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a component of the NSTP program that offers

military education and trains students in national defense preparedness. It is mandatory in some parts

of the world including the Philippines. But, it was changed after a student from the University of Santo

Tomas was mysteriously murdered. His name is Mark Welson Chua, a ROTC student who got murdered

by his colleagues because he tried to expose the corruption behind ROTC in his school and restore the

good system. This case proves that some sacrifices are made to achieve a goal in life.

Mark Welson Chua retained his values and faith for the better well-being of the university he

was in, even though he received a lot of death threats. His bravery and persistence serve as an

inspiration for every Filipino. The death case of Mark Welson Chua truly made a mark in Philippine

history. It was devastating to see that he was merely trying to correct something he knew that was bad

and corrupted. His attempt to change the world around him by writing reports to the higher officials

became the very reason for his death. This scenario shows how power is badly manipulated by people,

who are blinded by superiority to gain money. He truly taught me to stand my ground knowing that I am

fighting for what is right rather than ignoring the wrong deeds of others.

Thus, Mark Welson Chua is one of the most inspiring Filipino individual, who is willing to do

anything to serve what is indeed right. Not only to gain personally but to help the community around

him for a better system and a great future. Although it cost him his life, he achieved his goal of lessening

corrupt conduct in the ROTC as awareness and monitoring in classes are enhanced. And to remind all of

us that no matter how long it takes, justice will always prevail.