PH Senators Respond to China’s Aggression with Calls for ROTC Revival and Blacklisting

The recent water cannon attack by China’s Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea has triggered a wave of responses from Filipino senators, prompting discussions on potential strategies to address the aggression and reinforce the nation’s defense.

In the forefront of this discourse is Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who expressed his “disgust” over China’s aggression. Zubiri suggested the possibility of “blacklisting” Chinese companies involved in Philippine infrastructure projects, including the construction of bridges and engineering initiatives. He cited the example of Vietnam’s engagement in a trade “boycott” of Chinese products while forging stronger trade relationships with entities such as the European Union and South Korea.

Zubiri’s statement resonates amid heightened concerns over China’s assertiveness in the region. This sentiment was further echoed by Senator Robinhood Padilla, who seized the opportunity to rekindle the debate surrounding the necessity of a mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program in the Philippines.

During a Senate hearing on Monday, Senator Padilla posed a vital question: “Is the Philippines ready to defend itself?” He underscored the Constitutional mandate that compels all Filipinos to be prepared to defend the nation whenever the need arises. Padilla invoked the example of Ukraine, where citizen involvement in the military has contributed to its resilience in the face of conflict.

Addressing what he deemed as a common paradox, Padilla called for a shift from mere words to tangible actions. “When will we truly oblige our fellow countrymen to enter military service? All we do is complain,” he lamented, stressing the need for concrete steps to enhance the nation’s readiness.

Padilla’s plea for mandatory ROTC training received further impetus as he urged his colleagues to support the proposal. Drawing a comparison to the Chinese military, he highlighted the potential vulnerability of the Philippines if not adequately prepared. He emphasized that the nation’s determination should translate into unified action within the Senate.

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