Senator Chiz Escudero has demanded proof that the National Service Training Program (NSTP) is a "total failure", as claimed by the supporters of the bill seeking to revive the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program.
He said there should be a solid study showing that replacing NSTP with ROTC is necessary.
During discussions, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, the advocate of Senate Bill 2034, mentioned that Commission on Higher Education (CHED) found NSTP to be ineffective.
Escudero emphasized the need for proper evidence, not just statements from ROTC supporters.
"Can the gentleman furnish me a copy of a study, not merely the position of the (CHED) Chair but a study that says NSTP actually failed," he challenged Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa argued NSTP failed because it didn't build the required reserve force for the military.
However, Escudero exclaimed that evidence is needed to prove these claims.
"I'm asking for a study with respect to number one, the success or if at all, the failure of the ROTC before the NSTP law; and number two, a study, a review, or findings based on evidence and facts that the NSTP was indeed a failure," he pointed out.
Escudero also questioned Dela Rosa's claim that mandatory ROTC would make youth patriotic and capable of defending the country.
"We were taught to march, we were taught to stand, we were taught to carry 'yong mga garand rifle pa at that time," said Escudero.
"But I didn't feel like I was equipped enough to defend my country because of those two years in college, once a week every Saturday," he argued.
SB 2034 mandates that students in two-year courses or longer undergo four semesters of ROTC.
The proposal also wants Department of National Defense (DND) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to work with other agencies to create the ROTC program.
Other Senators have also questioned the implementation of the program.
Senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel proposed to scrap the Reserved Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) following the death of John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old student who was allegedly a victim of fraternity hazing.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier questioned the newly-released Pulse Asia poll which showed that the majority of Filipinos support the proposed mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
