Dela Rosa moves to close ROTC bill debates
Philippine News Agency
By Wilnard Bacelonia
February 4, 2025, 12:00 pm
MANILA -- Senator Ronald dela Rosa called for the end of interpellation on Senate Bill No. 2034 or the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Bill after months of debate.
Speaking before the plenary Monday evening, dela Rosa stressed that the bill has been thoroughly scrutinized and must now advance to the next legislative steps.
The bill, passed by the House of Representatives in December 2022, has undergone committee hearings and interpellations in the Senate from August 2023 to January 2025.
"We've listened, debated, and worked through the concerns raised by the public and fellow senators—ensuring that every voice has been heard," Dela Rosa said.
He cited Senate Rule 25, Section 71(d), which allows the bill's sponsor to close debates, as the basis for his motion.
Dela Rosa said the bill is a Tier 1 priority under the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council and has the full support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who considers it essential for national security and education.
Calling on his fellow senators to unite in support, dela Rosa said the ROTC program would instill patriotism, discipline, and civic responsibility in students while strengthening national defense and disaster preparedness.
"By empowering our students with the values and skills they need, we are preparing a generation that is patriotic and capable of defending our country," he said. (PNA)
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