MARCOS REMOVES VP, EX-PRESIDENTS FROM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reorganized the National Security Council (NSC), removing the Vice President and former Philippine presidents from the list of its members.

Executive Order (EO) 81 signed by President Marcos last Dec. 30 reiterated the need to reconstitute the NSC to ensure that the council members “uphold and protect national security and sovereignty, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and stability.”

EO 81 stated that at present, the NSC is composed of the President as chairperson, and 26 officials from various offices of the Executive and Legislative branches as members.

“There is a need to further guarantee that the NSC remains a resilient national security institution, capable of adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities both domestically and internationally,” the EO read.

Executive Order 330 issued on July 1, 1950 created the NSC, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Vice President has been removed as council member because “at the moment, the VP is not considered relevant to the responsibilities of membership in the NSC.”

“EO 81 is issued to reorganize and streamline the membership of the NSC. Nonetheless, when the need arises, the EO reserves to the President the power to add members or advisers,” Bersamin said.

The Vice President was also removed as member of the NSC’s executive committee, based on EO 81.

EO 81 includes the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office as the newest member of the NSC, replacing the now-defunct presidential spokesperson who was previously listed as a member of the council.

Formerly known as the Council of National Defense created by Commonwealth Act 1 or the National Defense Act 1, it was later known as NSC through EO 115 issued on Dec. 24, 1986.

The NSC acts as the principal advisory body in the proper coordination and integration of plans and policies relating to or with implications on national security.