President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently issued Executive Order No. 81, signed at the end of 2024, significantly altering the composition of the National Security Council (NSC), a key advisory body tasked with shaping and overseeing policies related to national security.
This decision follows a year marked by tensions between the President and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Established in 1950, the NSC provides a platform for discussing and formulating strategies on critical issues such as defense, counterterrorism, economic resilience, and disaster preparedness. Traditionally, it includes the Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and other top officials.
Former presidents have also historically been included for their experience.
The reorganization removes Vice President Sara Duterte, former presidents, and the Secretary of Budget and Management from the council. The revised membership now focuses on officials directly involved in security matters, including the Executive Secretary, National Security Adviser, and the Secretaries of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Local Government, Justice, and Energy.
Chiefs of the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police remain as members.
According to the President, these changes aim to streamline the council and improve efficiency. The government faces evolving threats such as cybersecurity risks, territorial disputes, and internal security challenges, necessitating a more focused approach.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the exclusion of the Vice President and former presidents, arguing that removing these figures limits the diversity of perspectives and forgoes the opportunity to leverage experience in addressing long-standing security issues.
The barring of Vice President Duterte is particularly notable as she also serves as Secretary of Education and leads the Office of the Vice President’s security initiatives. The exclusion of former presidents, who have historically played advisory roles, has also drawn attention.
The effectiveness of the restructured NSC is yet to be seen. Observers are closely monitoring whether the streamlined composition enhances decision-making and responsiveness to challenges. The reorganization reflects the administration’s push for a more agile and responsive approach to national security, but its success will depend on how well the council addresses pressing security concerns.
With its new setup, the council’s ability to unify strategies and act swiftly on security threats will likely define its impact moving forward.
