Mandatory Military Service is enshrined in art. 2 (sect. 4) of the 1987 Constitution.

In addition, Article II,

Section 13 thereof, further recognizes the role of the youth in nation-building.
A further legal basis for mandatory military service is provided by section 51 of the National Defence
Act, according to which "all Filipinos are liable to military service".
Mandatory military service has never, in general, been enforced but it still has the possibility to have it
today as the Constitution clearly mandates that preservation of the State is the obligation of every citizen.
Mandatory military service historically serves two broad aims: first, national security and second, nation-
building. It will help shape an individual’s nationalism, and may instill discipline and a sense of
patriotism among the youth.
It should not be implemented unless there are strict laws in place, in order to prevent incidents of hazing,
corruption or abuse, and that whoever engages in such practices would be guaranteed to face the
consequences of their actions. Don’t worry, we got you! In 2018, the Anti-Hazing Law was amended by
Republic Act No. 11053. The law now prohibits all forms of hazing in "fraternities, sororities, and
organizations in schools, including citizens' military training and citizens' army training.”
While the military might have been originally used for the sake of state formation, it is evident that it is
no longer limited to such a technical purpose. Offense and defense are still the major functions of the
military; however, they are being executed alongside other functions.
Military training could prove useful in instances other than war. For instance, natural disasters. Military
discipline would train citizens to react to such occurrences in an organized manner. Considering that, the
Philippines is regularly impacted by floods, typhoons, landslides and earthquakes.
Another reason why we should adhere to mandatory military service is the fact that many young people
nowadays do not appreciate what they have and take life as given, without having any responsibilities.
Mandatory military service will make young people more mature and responsible for their actions.
Serving as a soldier would teach the young generation the respect they will need for their future life and
prepare them better to be a law-abiding citizen.
The cost it would take to run the mandatory military service program does not compare to the cost of
human lives and freedoms.
We are one of those countries that do not have a relatively strong military. If the Chinese wanted to come
to take Scarborough Shoal tomorrow in force, the Philippines wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.
We would have to depend on the United States to protect it and on a mutual defense treaty for its defense.
Being prepared when a disaster strikes could be the difference between life and death.
A nation is stronger if each young man realizes his duty to his county.
While service requires more from all of us, it does not take much. One of my favorite Martin Luther King
Jr. quotes is, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college
degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full
of grace.” It is the willingness to give of yourself to a greater purpose that can renew our connections to
one another that have been lost.
Our country has seen increased commitments to service during times of war, and during moments of
possible heightened division requires a military investment from our citizens. We have an opportunity
through service to help and repair the fractures in our society. Let us imagine military service as an
extension of our fundamental values. “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do
for your country.” I hope that John F. Kennedy’s words would embed in each of our civic catechisms.