Bato Slams Admin Critics for ‘Wanting War’ with China Yet Against Revival of ROTC

Bato: “Gusto nilang makipag-giyera pero ayaw naman nilang mag-ROTC.”

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa lambasted those criticizing the present administration for “wanting war” with China, yet against the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) revival.

Bato on ROTC
Credit to rightful owner of the photos

The former PNP chief-turned-senator made the statement during the hearing of the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, May 26.

“Alam natin yung imminent threat coming from China… nag-occupy sila sa West Philippine Sea but marami tayong mga kababayan ngayon—matatanda man or bata—na gustong gustong makipag-giyera talaga sa China. Gustong gusto nila. They’re blaming the government for a ‘very weak stance’ against China kuno at gustong gusto nilang makipag-giyera pero ayaw naman nilang mag-ROTC,” he said.

He cited that “China [it has] a very strong army, a very strong reserve force and a very strong militia.”

Bato raised the topic of ROTC revival when he asked Commodore Antonio Palces, deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrines of the Armed Forces of the Philippines- who is up for CA confirmation, about his stance on the said program.

He said: “Do you think talagang nararapat na na ibalik natin yung ROTC para whatever happens in the future magka-giyera man tayo o hindi, kailangang ready tayo as a nation, hindi lang as a military, ang ating mga kabataan—mababae man o malalake—pwede nating ma-mobilize anytime ‘pag magkakaroon ng giyera?”

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