Youth groups have amplified their calls against the instatement of the Reserve Officers Training Corps in colleges and universities following the filing of the consolidated House Bill 6486 which seeks to enhance the current National Service Training Program into a National Citizens Service Training Program.

As it stands, the consolidated bill allows for an optional ROTC program, and youth leaders under the No to Mandatory ROTC Network insisted for the push on added funding for the education sector, expanded free education and student aid instead of the implementation of the ROTC.

"The budget that will be wasted for the implementation of Mandatory ROTC should be allocated for the security and preservation of rights of students," the group said.

Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel moved for the removal of his co-authorship in the consolidated bill as he argued against the costs that the measure would entail and its effects on the rights of students.

"This entails added expenses for parents and students, as well as the administration's way to mold students into being blind followers, toppling their academic rights," the group said.

The Commission on Higher Education previously presented a 'consensus bill' before the Senate, proposing a two-year mandatory NSTP and a four-year voluntary ROTC program.