Año: Reorganization of National Security Council Crucial for Enhanced Policy Formulation

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año emphasized the importance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent executive order, which reshaped the National Security Council (NSC). Speaking in Manila, Año described the move as essential for improving the development of national security policies. He highlighted that the NSC primarily serves as an advisory body to the President, and its structure is subject to presidential discretion. Año, who also holds the position of NSC Director General, referenced the Administrative Code of 1987, which grants the President ongoing authority to reorganize the administrative framework of the Office of the President, including the NSC. He further noted that the Constitution empowers the President with control over all executive entities. Año pointed out that past Presidents have similarly adjusted the NSC’s composition to align with their needs and the evolving security landscape. Since its inception by President Elpidio Quirino in 1950, the NSC has seen multiple reorganizations, with significant changes made by Presidents Ferdinand E. Marcos, Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Año stressed that these reorganizations are driven by the necessity to formulate effective policies based on sound advice and accurate data, and to respond promptly and cohesively to both current and emerging national security threats.