Senator Dela Rosa Refiles Key Bills Early
Senator Ronald dela Rosa has reintroduced three significant bills early in the current Congress that he previously supported. These bills focus on reinstating the death penalty for large-scale drug trafficking, making Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) mandatory in higher education, and reforming the party-list system. His renewed efforts aim to address pressing national concerns with strong legislative measures.
One of the main proposals involves the early reinstatement of the death penalty specifically for large-scale drug trafficking. This covers activities such as cultivation, manufacturing, sale, transportation, and possession of dangerous drugs exceeding one kilogram. The method of execution would be lethal injection for those convicted under this law.
Death Penalty for Large-Scale Drug Trafficking
Senator dela Rosa emphasized that this bill classifies large-scale drug trafficking as a grave and dangerous offense. “This proposed legislation classifies large-scale trafficking of illegal drugs as wicked and dangerous. It is the fuel that ignite the commission of other heinous crimes,” he stated. He further explained that the measure honors families affected by drug-related crimes and continues the government’s war on drugs to restore peace and security.
He also clarified that the bill makes no distinction between local and foreign offenders. “Anyone who is unwise enough to even think of entering into these unlawful acts… should face the consequences and feel the full weight of our law,” he added.
Mandatory ROTC in Higher Education
The senator’s bill also mandates ROTC as a graduation requirement for students enrolled in four-semester undergraduate or equivalent diploma and certificate programs in colleges and technical-vocational institutions. Students who do not complete the Basic ROTC will not qualify for graduation.
Educational institutions failing to implement the Basic ROTC program will face sanctions imposed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is authorized to coordinate with these agencies to develop training programs, including immersion at AFP training bases, to fulfill this requirement.
According to the bill, “The mandatory Basic ROTC shall be undertaken by all undergraduate students for four semesters: provided, that, subject to the capabilities of the school and the AFP, in lieu of the four semesters, a training-immersion program in the AFP training base may be designed… to complete the requirement of this Act.”
Reform of the Party-List System
The third bill seeks to amend the Party-List System Act by excluding groups involved in violent or unlawful acts, or those linked to proscribed terrorist organizations, from participating in party-list elections. Proposed changes to Section 6 of the law would deny registration to any party that:
- Engages children, youth, or disadvantaged sectors in violent and unlawful activities;
- Participates directly or indirectly in acts against the government’s best interests, including attempts to overthrow it or weaken its powers;
- Has associations with rebels or terrorist groups as defined under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
This reform aims to preserve the integrity of the party-list system, which critics say has been exploited by wealthy individuals and political dynasties as a backdoor into Congress.
Controversy and Opposition
The proposed mandatory ROTC has stirred debate, with several groups and some senators opposing it. Senator Risa Hontiveros argued that funds for ROTC might be better spent on military modernization, especially for the Philippine Navy, amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos has supported stricter qualifications for party-list groups to ensure only truly marginalized sectors gain representation, echoing dela Rosa’s concerns about abuses in the system.
Local leaders noted that these bills reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and promote discipline among the youth while reforming political representation.
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