Marcos Jr. reorganizes NSC, removes VP Sara Duterte; includes new members

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reorganized the National Security Council (NSC) by issuing Executive Order No. 81, which excludes Vice President Sara Duterte and former presidents from membership.

The restructuring aims to streamline the NSC's composition and enhance its effectiveness in formulating national security policies.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that Vice President Duterte was removed because she is not currently relevant to the responsibilities of NSC membership.

EO 81 includes the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office as a new member, replacing the previous presidential spokesperson role.

The executive committee of the NSC now comprises the president as chair and other key officials from both chambers of Congress and various government departments, with Vice President Duterte no longer part of it.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año defended the reorganization as essential for adapting to evolving domestic and international challenges.