Incoming Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles took his oath of office on Wednesday, June 28, before Vice President Sara Duterte in Davao City.
Nograles won in the newly-formed district, which constitutes the Municipality of Montalban, by a landslide, winning by over 60,000 votes over his rivals.
In particular, Nograles voiced his support for the implementation of a mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program.
The lawmaker is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, which is co-chaired by Duterte.
“It is an honor to be sworn in by VP Sara, who has a strong and clear mandate to serve the people,” said Nograles, who also serves as a spokesperson for the party.
Nograles vows to support the Vice President’s education agenda.
“Makakaasa si VP Sara na makikipag-ugnayan at makikipagtulungan tayo sa pagsulong ng kinakailangang legislative agenda para masuportahan ang adhikain niya para sa edukasyon,” the Harvard-trained lawyer said.
In particular, Nograles voiced his support for the implementation of a mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program.
He said the prospect of having a disciplined and civic-minded citizenry should not be sacrificed out of fear of abuse.
Nograles also said he would be filing an ROTC bill that puts an emphasis on disaster-preparedness and on environmental protection.
“Sa dami ng nangyayaring sakuna, makakatulong ang ROTC upang masigurong laging handa ang mga kabataan na humarap sa mga hamon,” said Nograles.
Careful crafting of the law could help ensure that there is no room for abuse and that there would be a proper venue for redress in the event that it occurs, the solon added.
Nograles also said he would be filing an ROTC bill that puts an emphasis on disaster-preparedness and on environmental protection.
“Sa panahon ng climate change, hindi lang warriors ang kailangan natin, kundi eco warriors na tutugon sa mga sakuna at kikilos upang maibsan ang epekto ng klima sa mga kababayan natin,” he said.
He added that he is also looking at including pro-environment activities such as reforestation and coastal clean-ups, among others, as requirements.
