A party-list lawmaker on Friday defended the filing of a bill requiring mandatory military service for all citizens “only when the President mobilizes the nation in case of actual invasion or when public safety requires.”
“The National Defense Bill is not a sounding call for Filipinos to arm themselves for war. Nor does it require mandatory military service in normal times,” Rep. Jude Acidre of party-list Tingog said.
In a statement, Acidre said any mobilization plan as embodied House Bill 11 would conform to the provisions of the Constitution.
“Military service in war time does not only involve carrying guns and shooting people. There are also priests, doctors, nurses, engineers and other professionals needed for their service in war,” Acidre stated.
“Mobilization in defense of country is a must for any nation to survive. Any patriot knows this,” he added.