Mandatory ROTC and the Filipino Youth: Between Military Training and Academic Freedom

Photo credit: Rappler

The proposal to reinstate the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in the Philippines ignited a fueling debate concerning students' rights and autonomy. While proponents champion its potential to bolster defense capabilities and instill patriotism, critics point to a history of abuse and argue for alternative approaches to civic engagement. 

One of the strongest criticisms against mandatory ROTC is its function as a state mechanism for reinforcing hierarchical power structures and normalizing military presence in civilian spaces. Abolitionist perspectives argue that institutions like ROTC perpetuate state-sanctioned violence and social control, conditioning young people to accept militarized discipline as a necessary component of civic engagement.

By embedding military training within academic institutions, ROTC shifts the focus from critical thinking and intellectual growth toward obedience and compliance. This aligns with broader systems of oppression that abolitionists seek to dismantle, particularly as ROTC serves as a feeder system for the military and security forces responsible for human rights violations, including red-tagging, suppression of dissent, and extrajudicial killings. 

A History of Mandatory ROTC and its Discontents

Source: https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2761/today-in-philippine-history-march-18-2001-mark-welson-chua-a-ust-rotc-cadet-was-found-dead-at-the-pasig-river

The ROTC program was once mandatory in the Philippines but was declared optional in 2001 following widespread protests sparked by the killing of Mark Welson Chua, a Mechanical Engineering student and an ROTC cadet of University of Santo Tomas in January 2001. Chua was found lifeless in Pasig River following his exposé on the corruption, bribery, and hazing on his ROTC Unit to the university’s official student publication, The Varsitarian. Chua’s case became a symbol of the abuses associated with the program, highlighting the vulnerability of students and the potential for unchecked power within the training structure.  This tragic event shaped public opinion and ultimately led to the passage of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act, which offered students the choice between ROTC, Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), and Literacy Training Service (LTS).

Additionally, mandatory ROTC does not affect all students equally. Historically, state militarization has disproportionately targeted marginalized groups, particularly urban poor youth, indigenous communities, and student activists. These communities are already vulnerable to state repression, and mandatory ROTC introduces another avenue for surveillance and control.

Under the program, students from low-income backgrounds may face intensified pressure to conform to military discipline, especially since they have fewer educational and economic opportunities outside state-instituted programs. Rather than encouraging patriotism, ROTC becomes a tool for coercing vulnerable populations into state service, further militarizing civilian life and deepening systemic inequalities.

The Push for Mandatory ROTC's Resurgence

Despite the shift to optional ROTC, there's a strong movement, particularly among some politicians and military officials, to reinstate mandatory training.  Their arguments center around:

• National Security Concerns: Given the Philippines' complex geopolitical landscape, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea and ongoing internal conflicts, officials argue that a larger pool of trained reservists is crucial for national defense.  They point to the need for a readily available force to respond to potential external threats and internal unrest. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa even said that there is a looming threat of China occupying our territories. He said that instead of students spending so much time on Tiktok, it would be better if they were put under military training. 

• Instilling Discipline and Patriotism:  Advocates believe that ROTC instills discipline, respect for authority, and a strong sense of national pride – qualities they perceive as waning among Filipino youth. They argue that mandatory ROTC can cultivate responsible citizens committed to serving the nation. According to a Pulse Asia survey commissioned in 2023, 69% of Filipinos are in favor of reviving the mandatory ROTC in schools. 

• Disaster Preparedness: The Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters is a significant factor in the push for mandatory ROTC.  Proponents argue that ROTC training equips students with valuable skills in disaster response and relief operations, making them valuable assets in times of crisis. 

Ethical Implications

However, the history of abuse within the ROTC program raises several ethical concerns, particularly on students’ safety, rights, and education over the current debate. 

One of the most pressing concerns is the recurrence of hazing and abuse within the program. The tragic case of Mark Chua, a University of Santo Tomas student who was murdered in 2001 after exposing corruption in his ROTC unit, serves as a potent reminder of the risks involved. Groups argue that reinstating mandatory ROTC without addressing systemic issues that allow such abuses to occur is both irresponsible and dangerous for students.

Another major issue is the potential violation of conscientious objection. Mandatory ROTC forces students, including those with moral or religious objections to war or military service, to undergo military training. This coercion infringes upon their freedom of conscience and denies them the right to choose their own forms of civic engagement, raising questions about whether such a program respects democratic principles and individual autonomy.

Additionally, critics warn against the militarization of education. Making ROTC mandatory risks diverting resources and attention away from academic pursuits, potentially undermining schools’ primary mission of fostering intellectual development and critical thinking. They argue that educational institutions should prioritize creativity, innovation, and holistic learning over military preparedness.

Recent Developments

Source: https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/congress-vows-to-pass-top-ledac-proposed-priority-bills/ 

Recently, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared the Mandatory ROTC bill a top priority during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting in September of last year, urging its swift passage in the Senate when sessions resume in November.

However, the financial requirements for implementing the program have raised significant concerns. According to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the implementation of mandatory ROTC will cost an estimated ₱8 billion in colleges and universities, with a total expenditure of ₱27.12 billion planned over three phases from 2025 to 2029. 

Youth groups, including the Kabataan Partylist, have criticized this budget allocation, pointing out the stark contrast between the proposed ROTC funding and the consistent budget cuts to the education sector. Kabataan Partylist 1st Nominee Atty. Renee Co highlighted that state universities and colleges (SUCs) face a collective budget reduction of ₱14.4 billion, which undermines the quality of public education. The proposed national budget for 2025 further underscores this disparity, allocating significantly higher funding to the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP) compared to the ₱128 billion allocated for SUCs.

Furthermore, the Philippine government’s increasing alignment with U.S. military interests raises questions about the true motivations behind ROTC’s return. The establishment of additional U.S. military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) strengthens the argument that mandatory ROTC serves as part of a broader strategy to integrate Filipino youth into U.S.-led military initiatives. For abolitionist movements, this reinforces the need to resist militarization, not only within national borders but also in the context of imperialist interventions.

The fight against ROTC is not just about rejecting compulsory military training—it is about advocating for a reallocation of public funds toward education, healthcare, and community-building initiatives. Rather than investing in a program that enforces discipline through militarized control, these resources could support scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and faculty hiring in SUCs, directly benefiting students and the broader academic community. 

Recent Case in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Hazing is illegal in the Philippines, but it continues to happen, especially in ROTC units. One recent incident happened at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). A first-year college student, Maria Beatrix ‘Bea’ Dela Cruz, was subjected to a brutal three hour long hazing session. She was slapped, blindfolded, forced into painful positions, physically assaulted using objects, while being cursed directly into her ears. Bea was hospitalized and traumatized, and no one in the school helped her after the incident. Her family was also denied access to the full results of the investigation. 

Even though the school found the ROTC cadets guilty of misconduct, they were only suspended and made to fail the NSTP course, no serious disciplinary action was taken against the perpetrator. The university also failed to provide psychological support for the victim. (Manila Today, 2025)

Despite the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11053), which criminalizes all forms of hazing and imposes penalties up to 40 years of imprisonment, violence like this still happens. The death of law student Horacio ‘Atio’ Castillo III in 2017 led to this law but this recent case shows that the law’s deterrent effect is limited. 

The proposal to reinstate mandatory ROTC in the Philippines reflects the deeply rooted ethical, financial, and geopolitical challenges of the country. While proponents argue for its potential to instill discipline and nationalism, the program's history of abuse, the violation of students' autonomy, and the massive financial burden it entails cannot be ignored. Prioritizing ROTC over much-needed investments in education perpetuates neglect of the nation’s academic institutions and diverts attention from developing critical thinking and civic engagement.

Moreover, the program’s perceived alignment with foreign military interests raises questions about its true purpose in the context of the country’s geopolitical realities. Patriotism, as critics argue, is not defined by military participation but by active involvement in addressing societal issues and shaping a future rooted in justice and sovereignty.

As the government accelerates efforts to pass the mandatory ROTC bill, it must carefully weigh its long-term impact on students, educational institutions, and national priorities. A genuine commitment to promoting patriotism and preparing the youth for the future requires investing in education, critical thinking, and inclusive opportunities for civic engagement, not a program that risks repeating the mistakes of the past.

Sources

• Baron, G. (2021, March 19). Remembering Mark Welson Chua. Manila Bulletin.

• Magsambol, B. (2023, February 21). Mandatory ROTC bill: What we know so far. Rappler.

• Cayabyab, M. J. (2024, April 10). 69 percent support mandatory ROTC revival – Pulse. The Philippine Star.

• Gavilan, B. A. (2024, October 1). Youth partylist reminds Marcos admin of Chua case amid fresh push to revive mandatory ROTC. The Flame.

• Puente, B. (2022, August 25). NOT NEEDED? | Mandatory ROTC an ‘ineffective policy’ for instilling nationalism among youth, says Kabataan. News5.

• Cayabyab, M. J. (2024, October 11). Chiz: Mandatory ROTC to cost government P8 billion a year. The Philippine Star.

• Reyes, R. O. (2024, October 4). Filipino activists slam mandatory military training for students. UCA News.

• Department of Budget and Management. (2025). Briefer on the 2025 proposed national budget.

• Bacelonia, W. (2024, September 30). ROTC bill now a top priority at the Senate. Philippine News Agency.

• Luna, F. (2021, July 4). Militarization in Philippines has 'damaging effects' on civic space, democratic freedoms — think tank. The Philippine Star.

• Manila Today. (2025, May 20). ‘It was hazing—three hours of it’. https://manilatoday.net/it-was-hazing-three-hours-of-it/

• GMA News Online. (2023, October 9). TIMELINE: Atio Castillo case. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/922197/timeline-atio-castillo-case/story/