» ‘v
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
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^ 
I'.t.
,i 
«0>V! .-tf I; &■: 
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s. No. 897
'19 
AUG 13 PI :08
Introduced by SENATOR MANUEL LITO M. LAPID
AN ACT
MANDATING THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, 
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF BASIC RESERVE OFFICERS 
TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) IN GRADES 11 AND 12 IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
7077, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CITIZEN ARMED FORCE OR ARMED 
FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES RESERVIST ACT", AS AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9163, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "NATIONAL 
SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 4, Article II of the 1987 Constitution states that "the prime duty of the 
Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the 
people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, 
under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service."
On June 27, 1991, Republic Act No. 7077, also known as the "Citizen Armed 
Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, was enacted that provided for the 
establishment of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) as a requirement for 
tertiary level students to acquire a baccalaureate degree in colleges, universities and 
similar learning institutions.
However, the passage of Republic Act No. 9163, or the "National Service 
Training Program Act of 2001", which amended RA No. 7077, made ROTC optional


and voluntary. The National Service Training Program (NSTP) provided trainings 
towards civic consciousness and defense preparedness with 3 program components: 
(1) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), (2) Literacy Training Service, and (3) 
Civic Welfare Training Service. Under the NSTP, there was a significant decline in the 
number of students who enroll in ROTC.
This bill therefore is being proposed to promote the spirit of nationalism, nation­
building and national preparedness among our Filipino youth and enhance the capacity 
of our nation to produce the needed manpower in times of war, calamities and 
disasters and national or local emergencies.
It seeks to establish a mandatory two (2) year Basic ROTC Program as part of 
the basic curricula in all senior high schools in public and private educational 
institutions. Also, it provides for the following, among others: (1) Safeguards for 
students from the occurrence of hazing, corruption and other forms of abuses. (2) A 
Grievance Committee that is tasked to receive complaints or motu proprio conduct 
investigations on any complaint or allegation of abuse, violence or corruption in any 
educational institution implementing the Basic ROTC Program and (3) Advance ROTC 
Program in tertiary institutions which shall continue to be voluntary and optional under 
RA 9163 and RA 7077.
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
EL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
.
- s  
■,  
t
:
s. No. 897
'19 
AUG 13 P I :08
Introduced by SENATOR MANUEL LITO M. LAPID
AN ACT
MANDATING THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, 
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF BASIC RESERVE OFFICERS 
TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) IN GRADES 11 AND 12 IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
7077, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CITIZEN ARMED FORCE OR ARMED 
FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES RESERVIST ACT", AS AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9163, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "NATIONAL 
SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the "Senior High School
2 
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Act'.
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Sec. 2. Declaration o f Policy. -  It is the policy of the State to serve and protect
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the people. The government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in
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fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to
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render personal, military or civil service. The State recognizes the role of the youth in
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national-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual,
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intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and
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nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
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Towards this end, the State shall enhance the capacity of the nation to produce
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the needed manpower and to expand its human resources in times of war, calamities


f '
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and disasters, national or local emergencies, and in support to the Government's law
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enforcement strategy against crimes by creating a pool of trained reservists.
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Sec. 3. Definition o f Terms- For the purpose of this Act:
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(a) 
Reserve Force Product - refers to the organization of trained reservists
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under the command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who may be called for
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duty in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during
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disaster or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the
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operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the
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furtherance of overall mission.
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(b) 
Basic Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) -  refers to a mandatory two
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(2) year basic leadership and military training program for students enrolled in Grades
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11 and 12 in all senior high schools in public and private educational institutions.
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(c) 
Advance ROTC-refers to the optional and enhanced ROTC course that is
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offered in universities, colleges, vocational school and other tertiary institutions.
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(d) 
Clustered ROTC U n it- refers to two or more educational institutions that
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are strategically grouped together for the purpose of holding ROTC classes in one
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location.
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(e) 
Grievance Committee -  refers to an independent body that is tasked to
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investigate any complaint or allegation of abuse, violence or corruption in any
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clustered ROTC unit or any educational institution implementing the ROTC program.
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(f) 
National Grievance Committee -  refers to the appellate body that has
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jurisdiction to hear appeals on the findings and recommendations of any local
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grievance committee.
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(g) 
Public Educational Institutions -  refer to educational institutions that are
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established and administered by the government.
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(h) 
Private Educational Institutions -  
refer to 
educational 
institutions
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maintained and administered by private individuals or groups.
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(i) 
Registration -  the act of recording the name and/or other relevant
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information of the students who have completed the ROTC Program in Grades 11 and
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12 on the official list of ROTC graduates. Provided, that the registration that is referred


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to under this Act shall not be construed as enlisted in the AFP Reserve or Regular
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Force.
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Sec. 4. Coverage. -  The conduct of basic military and leadership training under
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the ROTC shall apply to all student in Grades 11 and 12 in all senior high schools in
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public and private educational institutions.
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Sec. 5. Establishment o f the ROTC Program in all Public and Private Educational
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Institutions.-
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(a) 
There is hereby established a mandatory two (2) year Basic
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ROTC program for students enrolled in Grades 11 and 12 which shall form
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part of the basic curricula for the Senior Fligh School Education in any public
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and private educational institutions pursuant to the provisions of the
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National Defense Act, Revised Administrative Code of 1987 and the 1987
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Constitution, with the objective of producing well-trained and prepared
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reservists for military and civic service. The ROTC training is aimed to instill
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patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual virtues, respect for human
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rights and adherence to the Constitution.
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(b) 
The Basic ROTC, instituted as part o f the curricula shall be
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administered in accordance with the following modules:
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b .l Enhancing student consciousness in the ethics of service,
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patriotism and nationalism, respect for human rights, appreciation of the
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role of national heroes in the historical development of the country,
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strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop personal discipline and
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leadership 
and 
to 
encourage 
creative 
thinking 
fo r 
scientific 
and
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technological development.
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b.2. Basic military training for students in order to motivate, train,
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organize and utilize for national defense preparedness or civil-military
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operations: Provided, That no student below the age of eighteen (18) years
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shall take a direct part in hostilities.
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b.3. Civic training for students in order to be active participants and
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volunteers for the development and improvement of health, education.


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ecology and environmental protection, human and civil rights awareness 
and law enforcement.
b. 4. Preparedness during actual disaster response operations on need 
assessment, improved skills for search, rescue and relief operations, and 
early recovery activities. Integration of capacity-building activities revolving 
around risk-related situations in order for the students to be proactive in 
lessening the socio-economic and environmental impacts of disasters 
including climate change. These capacity building activities will help build 
understanding and skills with the end in view of applying disaster risk 
reduction and management principles, concepts, and concrete action steps 
towards building their resilience.
c. Any student who fails to undergo the mandatory Basic ROTC in 
accordance with this Act shall not be qualified for graduation. In addition 
thereto, the non-taking of ROTC by any student shall be a ground for 
Compulsory Military Training pursuant to Section 14 of Republic Act No. 
7077. Any educational institution that fails to institute and implement the 
Basic ROTC program pursuant to this Act shall be subject to disciplinary and 
administrative sanctions as the Department of Education (DepEd) may 
impose.
d. Guided by the provisions of Section 5(b) hereof, the DND and the 
DepEd, in consultation with other relevant government agencies and private 
stakeholders as the Secretary of National Defense may determine, shall 
design and formulate the Program of Instruction (POI) on the Basic ROTC 
program in Grades 11 and 12.
SECTION 6. Schools as Zones o f Peace. -  Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11188 
entitled, "Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict", every 
educational institution implementing the ROTC under this Act shall comply with the 
declaration and guidelines that are provided for under the said law to maintain the 
neutrality of the schools as zones of peace.


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SECTION 7. Students Exempted from this Act. -  The following may be exempted
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from the coverage of this Act.
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a. Those who are physically or psychologically unfit, as certified by the Local
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Health Officer, pursuant to the recommendation of the educational
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institutions where the concerned student is enrolled.
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b. Those who have undergone or are undergoing similar military training.
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c. Those who were chosen by their school to serve as varsity players in sports
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competitions.
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SECTION 8. Advance ROTC. -  The basic ROTC established on Section 4,
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paragraph 1 of RA 9163, also known as the "National Service Training Program (NSTP)
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Act of 2001", as a component of the NSTP which forms part of the curricula for
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students of any baccalaureate degree course shall be modified or reclassified as the
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Advance ROTC pursuant to Section 39 of RA 7077, or the "Citizen Armed Force or
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Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act."
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The Advance ROTC in the tertiary level shall continue as an optional and
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voluntary component of the NSTP. Students who volunteer for the Advance ROTC
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program in universities, colleges, vocational schools and other tertiary institutions shall
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remain to be governed by RA 9163 insofar as they are consistent with this Act.
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The provisions of Section 42 and 43 of Republic Act No. 7077 in terms of training,
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uniforms and supplies, and the scholarship incentive shall remain effective and
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applicable for those accepted in the Advance ROTC course. It shall be mandatory for
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all public and private universities, college and similar learning institutions to offer and
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provide a training school for the advance ROTC program which shall have a duration
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in accordance with the curriculum prescribed by the DND and the Commission on
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Higher Education (CHED).
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The Department of National Defense, in coordination with the CHED, shall
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prescribe the curriculum for Advance ROTC and the program of instruction pursuant
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to the applicable provisions of Republic Act No. 7077.
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SEC. 9. Organization, Operation and Maintenance o f ROTO Units. -  The 
organization, operation and maintenance for the establishment of the Basic ROTC shall 
be in accordance with Sections 41 and 42 of the Republic Act No. 7077 which shall 
remain effective and operative unless inconsistent with this Act. The Secretary of 
National Defense, in consultation with the DepEd, shall prescribe the organization and 
operational manual of ROTC units in public and private educational institutions shall 
be required to provide an adequate office for the ROTC administrative staff assigned 
thereat.
The AFP shall create an office dedicated to the supervision and administration 
of the ROTC program within the Reserve Commands of the AFP in coordination with 
the DepEd.
SEC. 10. Registration in the Reserve Force. -  Pursuant to Sec. 14 of Republic 
Act No. 7077, a student has completed the Basic ROTC program in senior high school 
shall be registered in the Reserve Force only upon reaching the age of eighteen (18).
SEC. 11. Guideiines to safeguard students o f the Basic ROTC Program. -  In 
order for the proper and effective implementation of the Basic ROTC Program, the 
following policies shall be adopted to prevent the occurrence of hazing, corruption and 
other forms of abuses:
a. The Basic ROTC Program prohibits hazing as defined under R.A. 8049, as 
amended by R.A. 11053, and as such, adopts the penalties for any act 
committed under the provisions of the said law;
b. Cognizant of the provisions under R.A. 7610 or the "Speciai Protection o f 
Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act", any physical, 
sexual or psychological abuse, emotional maltreatment, or any act by deed 
which tends to degrade or demean the dignity of a child/student is 
prohibited;
c. 
Consistent with DepEd Order No. 40, Series o f 2012 on Child Protection 
Policy, the Basic ROTC Program proscribed physical, humiliating or 
degrading punishments or penalties by a teacher, school administrator, an


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adult, or any other child who has been given or has assumed authority or 
responsibility for punishment of discipline for an alleged or actual offense 
for the purpose of discipline training or control except^or mild to moderate 
physical exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups and running within the 
medically recommended limit for the concerned age group;
d. In case of the School Officials or employees of public or government 
educational institutions, who shall accept any gift from any student, or from 
any parent/guardian of the student, or who shall commit other practices 
contemplated under R.A. 3019 on "Graft and Corrupt Practices Act"and the 
Revised Penai Code on Bribery and Corruption the maximum penalty shall 
be imposed;
e. The penalties provided under the Revised Penai Code for the Crimes o f 
Bribery and Corruption shhW be imposed upon school officials or employees 
of private educational institutions who shall accept directly or indirectly, any 
gift, in cash or in kind, from any student, or from any parent/guardian of 
the student in relation to or pertinent with the conduct of the Basic ROTC 
training program.
SEC. 12. Estabiishment o f Grievance Committee.
a. A Grievance Committee shall be formed from a cluster of educational 
institutions that shall receive complaints and/or motu propio conduct 
investigations on any complaint or allegation of abuse, violence or 
corruption in any educational institution implementing the Basic ROTC 
Program;
b. Every Grievance Committee shall be composed of three members, to be 
chosen by the Secretary of National Defense and the Secretary of 
Education: one (1) District Commandant from the DND, one (1) District 
Supervisor from the DepEd, and one (1) Legai Officer from the DepEd;
c. The DepEd and the DND shall formulate the manner by which the 
educational institutions implementing the Basic ROTC shall be clustered 
for the efficient resolution of grievances;


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d. The Grievance Committee shall function as an independent investigative 
body, which shall formulate the recommendation to the proper 
disciplinary authority that has jurisdiction over the respondent, 
depending on whether he/she belongs to the military for which purpose, 
the Articles of War shall be employed. Whereas, for school officials 
and/or employees of public and private educational institutions, the 
provisions of R.A. 6713 or the Code o f Conduct o f Public Officers and 
Employees aw(\ other relevant laws on the matter shall be applied. This 
is without prejudice to administrative cases that may be filed pursuant 
to the Civil Service rules for public officers and employees involved in 
the complaint.
Nothing herein shall prevent any person from filing directly with the 
regular courts any incident of violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti- 
Hazing Act o f 2018.
SEC. 13. Powers and Duties o f the Grievance Committee. -  In view of the laws 
providing protection for children, every Grievance Committee shall be pro-active in its 
duty to:
(1) Encourage the reporting of any incident of hazing, violence, abuse and 
corruption in every clustered ROTC unit;
(2) Motu propio ox upon a complaint filed by any person, investigate, any act 
of hazing, violence, abuse and corruption in the clustered ROTC unit;
(3) Issue preventive suspension orders against officers of the ROTC or any 
school employee involved in the training within three (3) days: (a) upon 
receipt of the complaint, or (b) after initiation of the motu proprio 
investigation, to preclude him from exerting undue influence over the 
complainant and impede the normal course of the investigation;
(4) Recommend the appropriate action for any offense committed in the 
clustered ROTC unit to the proper disciplinary authority which has 
jurisdiction over the respondent within fifteen (15) days (a) upon receipt of 
the complaint, or (b) after initiation of the motu proprio investigation;


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1
(5) Monitor all complaints filed with the Committee and maintain an updated 
record of the status of each case;
(6) Provide the parties of the complaint its findings and recommendations 
within thirty (30) days upon receipt thereof;
(7) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out its objectives, 
functions and disciplinary procedures;
(8) Performs such other functions as may be provided by law.
SEC. 14. National Grievance Committee. -  There is hereby established a 
National Grievance Committee (NGC) composed of the Secretary of National Defense 
or his permanent authorized representative, the Secretary of Education or his 
permanent authorized representative, and the Secretary of Justice or his permanent 
authorized representative.
The 
NGC 
shall 
receive 
appeals 
on 
petitions 
for 
review 
from 
findings/recommendation of any of the Grievance Committees. It shall provide the 
parties its decision within fifteen (15) days, counted from the time of receipt of the 
petition. Any resolution of the NGC shall be final.
SEC. 15. Incentives for Undergoing the ROTC Program. -  a. Subject to other 
requirements that may be prescribed by rules and regulations, graduates of the 
Advance ROTC shall be eligible for commissionship/lateral entry and enlistment in the 
AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Jail 
Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) unless a 
waiver is issued by the Department Secretaries of the aforementioned military and 
civilian armed forces.
b. Students undergoing the Basic ROTC and those accepted in the ROTC 
Advance Couse shall be provided with free hospitalization in any government hospital 
in case of accident or injury during the training. Mandatory insurance for students 
undergoing ROTC shall be provided by the school where the students are enrolled.
c. Students undergoing the Advance ROTC shall be given access and privileges 
with any AFP Commissary. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
shall issue the necessary regulations for the implementation of this privilege.


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SEC. 16. Classification o f ROTCStudents. -  Grades 11 and 12 students who are 
enrolled in the ROTC program shall be recognized as civilians in law.
SEC. 17. ROTC Instructors' Capacity Development and Enhancement Program. 
-T here is hereby created and established a training program for ROTC instructors, to 
ensure that they meet the highest physical and moral standards to teach and carry 
out the ROTC program. The Instructors' Program shall be developed and administered 
under the guidance and tutelage of the DND and the DepEd.
A comprehensive training manual shall be developed for the conduct of these 
trainings, incorporating among other things, gender-appropriate and child-sensitive 
awareness, familiarity with relevant laws on the ROTC, Special Protection of Children, 
other domestic laws and international obligations necessary and appropriate to 
guaranty the integrity and the highest standard of moral scruple for the implementers' 
of the ROTC Program.
SEC. 18. Budget Appropriation. -  The funding requirement necessary to 
implement the establishment, maintenance and operations of the Basic ROTC Program 
shall be included in the budget of the implementing agencies/departments, which is 
the DND and the DepEd, in the annual General Appropriations Act in the year following 
its enactment.
SEC. 19. Transitory Provisions. -  In order to manage the initial implementation 
of the ROTC Program in senior high school, the DND, and the DepEd shall within six 
(6) months from the effectivity of this Act, design, institute and implement a Pilot 
Program.
The DND and the DepEd shall jointly submit an annual review and evaluation 
report to Congress on the implementation of the Pilot Program. Upon review and 
approval by Congress, the framework utilized under the Pilot ROTC shall become the 
standard for the full national implementation of the Basic ROTC Program.
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SEC. 20. Mandatory Evaluation and Review. -  The DND and the DepEd shall 
jointly conduct an annual review and submit a report to Congress on the status of the 
implementation of the Basic ROTC Program one year after its full implementation.
SEC. 21. Pena! Provisions. -  Offenses committed by persons involved in or in 
relation to the implementation of this Act shall be subject to penalties in accordance 
with the applicable laws, rules and regulations. Grades 11 and 12 students undergoing 
the Basic ROTC Program must not be subjected to military law.
SEC. 22. Offenses Punishable Under Existing Laws. -  For acts already penalized 
under existing laws such as corruption, graft, hazing, sexual harassment, and other 
abuses committed by persons authorized to administer the Basic ROTC and 
development of the Corps, the maximum penalty imposable under existing laws shall 
be imposed.
SEC. 23. Separability Clause. -  If any provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. 24. Amendatory Clause. -  Section 38 and 39 of Republic Act No. 7077 and 
Section 4 of Republic Act 9163, are hereby deemed amended and modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 25. Repealing Clause. -  All other laws, executive orders, presidential 
decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent with any provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 26. Effectivity. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
I I