Senate Priority Bills: Sen.Dela Rosa to Revive Mandatory ROTC and Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has refiled three of his long-standing legislative priorities in the 19th Congress, renewing calls for the reinstatement of the death penalty for high-level drug trafficking, the implementation of mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in tertiary education, and amendments to the country’s party-list system.

The former Philippine National Police chief, known for his hardline stance on crime and drugs, emphasized the need to reintroduce capital punishment as a deterrent against large-scale drug trafficking. Under his proposed measure, execution would be carried out through lethal injection.

“This is not just about punishment it’s about protecting our youth and future generations from the destruction caused by illegal drugs,” Dela Rosa said.

Another key measure refiled by the senator is the proposal to make ROTC mandatory for college students. Under the bill, students enrolled in higher education institutions would be required to complete ROTC training as a prerequisite for graduation.

Dela Rosa stressed that instilling discipline, patriotism, and preparedness among the youth is crucial for national development and defense readiness. “Through ROTC, we hope to build a stronger sense of civic duty among our students,” he said.

The senator also filed a bill seeking to revise the current party-list system, which he claims has strayed from its original intent of giving marginalized sectors a voice in Congress.

These proposals have been consistently pushed by Dela Rosa since his first term in the Senate, reflecting his commitment to law and order, national defense, and political reform.

The refiled bills are expected to spark intense debate in the Senate as lawmakers weigh public sentiment, constitutional implications, and human rights concerns.

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