President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an Executive Order to reorganize the National Security Council (NSC), removing Vice President Sara Duterte and former presidents from its membership.
The Executive Order, signed on December 30, 2024, underscores the need for the NSC to adapt to evolving national security challenges and ensure its members uphold and protect national security and sovereignty.
Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly questioned her exclusion from the NSC meetings and has demanded transparency regarding past gatherings. She described the move as lacking transparency and legal justification, calling for an explanation and requesting records of all NSC meetings since the start of her term in June 2022.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año defended the reorganization, stating that it aims to enhance the formulation of national security policies. Año emphasized that the NSC’s restructuring is necessary to effectively address current and emerging threats to national security. He highlighted that the reorganization aligns with the need for timely and coherent responses to these challenges.
The reorganization has sparked a debate on the relevance of the Vice President’s role in the NSC. Critics argue that high-ranking officials should naturally be involved in national security matters. However, administration officials maintain that the restructuring prioritizes roles directly tied to security, defense, and foreign policy.
This development marks a significant shift in the composition of the NSC, reflecting the administration’s commitment to adapting to the dynamic landscape of national security.
