12/06/2026
On the 128th Philippine Independence Day, Senator Robin Padilla renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 617, the proposed ROTC Act. He cited the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao as proof of the need for trained and disciplined citizens who can respond effectively during disasters. The bill seeks to strengthen and institutionalize the ROTC program in higher education and technical-vocational institutions, providing training in survival skills, disaster response, first aid, search and rescue, and relief operations. Padilla emphasized that the measure is not just about military training but also about nation-building, civic responsibility, and saving lives during emergencies.