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LIBRT: the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps for male college students is
valid
(AFFIRMATIVE)
Practicability (4:07 MINUTES)
“To strengthen national defense is to uphold the general welfare of the state; for the
aim is anchored not only on preparedness for mobilization, but also as a way for Filipinos to
imbibe love for our nation.”
Good evening, everyone.
Our side stands firm that ROTC is not only a requirement in college education, but a
demand of citizenship as a civic obligation on the following grounds:
1. That there is a grave necessity for citizen’s preparedness to defend the
motherland
2. That national security must be viewed in congruence with economic
stability
3. That the reserve force’s role goes beyond the miniscule arena of war and can
do more for a disaster-prone nation
4. That mandatory ROTC is a practicable means to uphold the general welfare
of the state
Possible points for rebuttals or synthesis:
a. equal protection clause – women (optional; R.A. 9163 shall apply), valid
classification
b. qualification – age, physical and psychological fitness, exceptions laid by R.A.
7077
c. provision to ban military abuse or hazing
d. funding

FIRST argument: That there is a necessity for citizen’s preparedness to defend the
motherland
 The Philippine Military strength has tremendously dwindled following the
signing of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed
Conflict and the implementation of RA 9163 or NSTP Law. With a
devastating record of only .002% of the almost 106 billion population of
the Philippines or a jarring 1 out of 588 Filipinos, how do we address the
call for the country to be prepared not only for external threats, but also
for internal threats?
Modernization does not cover only high-tech weaponry or infantry;
modern times also necessitate modern training and mobilization. With this
state necessity our government has made sure that in this call for securing
national defense, sufficient funding will be available.
With a whopping and increased budget of 188.2 billion, the feasibility for
training centers and infantry rifle companies can be achieved with the help
of SUCs—a practicable move for mandating qualified male college
students, with an option for female students to join, while recognizing the
exceptions granted by the law.
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SECOND argument: that national security must be viewed in congruence with

economic stability
 Internal unrest, as evidenced by the recent terrorist attacks and natural
disasters, is the primary threat to the economic stability of the Philippines.

Our Global Terrorism Index went as high as 71.8%, which is a clear

manifestation of the crippling impact on the economic development of the
Philippines. And to make matters worse, in 2018, the record on
Philippines' Hazard and Exposure risk shows a devastating 78% disaster
vulnerability rate with only 42% coping capacity.

Hence, the need for the reserve force to be mobilized in times, not only of
war, but also when the immediate welfare, security, and survival of the
Filipinos are at stake clearly benefits the entire country.

This clearly supports our claim that to argue that there are no external
threats and that the era of World War has ended, is to negligently allow for
the Philippines to be vulnerable from destruction and economic collapse.

THIRD argument: that the reserve force’s role goes beyond the miniscule arena of war
and can do more for a disaster-prone nation
 Readiness for mobilization lifts the coping capacity of the Philippines, as a
disaster-prone nation.

The National Disaster Response Plan recognizes the AFP as a key

responder. With this significant role, the ready reserve can now be easily
mobilized in rescue and retrieval operations, relief and evacuation,
rehabilitation and recovery in support to NDRRMC and LGUs—things we
will not realize how vital, unless we experience the disaster first-hand.

FOURTH argument: that mandatory ROTC is a practicable means to uphold the

general welfare of the state
 Readiness for mobilization upholds Sec. 5 Art II in the promotion of general
welfare since it is essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the
blessings of democracy. Therefore, with a strong coordination between the
citizen and government, the holistic effect of the mandatory ROTC clearly
upholds national security and economic stability.
Our strategic model recognizes equally the citizens’ right to liberty without
compromising their best interest and at the same time upholding the necessity in
preparedness for mobilization. With this, we can ultimately achieve a more secure nation
where the general welfare of the public is of paramount consideration.
With that, TSU is proud to affirm. Thank you.