Marcos reorgs NSC, Duterte camp criticizes

Progressive groups have criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to reorganize the National Security Council (NSC) and remove Vice President Sara Duterte and past presidents, viewing it as a dispute between ruling political families.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares stated that this move is not about national security but rather political survival, highlighting the widening rift between the Marcos and Duterte factions.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Renato Reyes Jr. questioned whether the removal also signals a possible rift within the military establishment due to support for particular personalities.

Despite these criticisms, NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya clarified in a public briefing that there is no rift within the security sector and that government personnel are fully behind the constituted authority.

The reorganization of the NSC on December 30, 2024, aims to ensure adaptability to domestic and international challenges according to Marcos, while the Duterte camp remains critical of the move.