President Marcos Jr. Revamps National Security Council, Excludes Vice President and Former Presidents

In a significant restructuring move, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reshaped the National Security Council (NSC) by excluding the Vice President and former presidents from its membership. This change was formalized through Executive Order (EO) 81, signed by Marcos on December 30, which aims to enhance the council’s ability to safeguard national security and sovereignty, thereby promoting effective governance and stability. The NSC now consists of the President as its chairperson, alongside 26 officials from both the Executive and Legislative branches. The order emphasizes the necessity for the NSC to remain a robust institution, adaptable to both domestic and international challenges and opportunities. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that the Vice President’s removal from the NSC was due to her current role not aligning with the council’s responsibilities. However, EO 81 allows the President the flexibility to appoint additional members or advisers as needed. The Vice President has also been removed from the NSC’s executive committee. Additionally, the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office has been added to the NSC, taking the place of the former presidential spokesperson. EO 81, which was released to the public on Friday, immediately takes effect and supersedes any previous orders or regulations that conflict with its provisions. Historically, the NSC evolved from the Council of National Defense established by Commonwealth Act 1, and was officially renamed the NSC by EO 115 on December 24, 1986. The NSC serves as the primary advisory body for coordinating and integrating national security-related plans and policies.