Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino expressed confidence that the proposed reinstatement of Mandatory ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) in colleges has a high chance of approval in the Senate.
Tolentino cited that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given the green light to expedite discussions on the proposal after being briefed on its objectives.
According to Tolentino, deliberations on the measure are expected to begin in the Senate plenary after Congress reconvenes from its month-long break.
The senator believes that the only remaining issue for resolution among lawmakers is whether the program should be implemented over one or two years.
Tolentino suggested that the program could start with a basic course in the first year, followed by advanced training in the second year.
For cadets who wish to continue, an Executive ROTC curriculum could be introduced.
The proposal has already passed the House of Representatives and is currently in the Senate’s period of interpellation.