President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made a significant move by reorganizing the National Security Council (NSC), removing the Vice President and former presidents from its composition.
The changes come with the issuance of Executive Order No. 81, aimed at bolstering the NSCโs ability to adapt to evolving national and global security challenges.
Strengthening National Security
In the executive order, Marcos emphasized the importance of maintaining the NSC as a “resilient national security institution,” one capable of responding to modern threats and opportunities.
He noted that the reorganization seeks to ensure members are aligned with the mission to “uphold and protect national security and sovereignty, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and stability.”
Revised Composition of the NSC
The new directive outlines a streamlined and politically balanced NSC, now composed of the following members:
- President as chairperson;
- Senate President;
- Speaker of the House of Representatives;
- Senate President Pro-Tempore;
- Three Deputy Speakers, designated by the Speaker;
- Majority Floor Leaders of the Senate and House;
- Minority Floor Leaders of the Senate and House;
- Chairpersons of key Senate and House committees, including Foreign Relations, National Defense, Public Order, and Safety;
- Executive Secretary;
- National Security Adviser;
- Secretaries of pivotal departments such as Foreign Affairs, Justice, National Defense, Interior and Local Government, and Labor and Employment;
- Chief Presidential Legal Counsel;
- Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office;
- Head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office;
- Other officials or private citizens as appointed by the President.
The Executive Committee
The executive committee within the NSC has also been redefined to ensure quick and strategic decision-making. It will include:
- President as chairperson;
- Executive Secretary;
- Senate President or representative;
- Speaker of the House or representative;
- National Security Adviser;
- Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, National Defense, and Interior and Local Government;
- Additional members or advisers designated by the President.
Implications of the Reorganization
This reorganization represents a departure from the traditional inclusion of past presidents and the Vice President, raising questions about its impact on the councilโs historical advisory breadth.
Critics argue that excluding these figures could limit institutional memory and bipartisan perspectives, while proponents believe the revised structure fosters efficiency and focuses on active leadership roles.
By consolidating decision-making authority within current government leaders, the Marcos administration aims to create a more agile and responsive NSC.
However, the inclusion of “private citizens” at the President’s discretion has sparked debate about potential politicization or favoritism in security matters.
Historical Context
The NSC was initially established through Executive Order No. 330 on July 1, 1950, as a body to address national security concerns. Over the decades, its composition and role have evolved, reflecting the changing political and security landscape of the Philippines. This latest reorganization underscores the administration’s intent to modernize the institution to meet contemporary demands.
As the Philippines faces complex regional tensions and domestic challenges, the newly restructured NSC will play a crucial role in shaping policies that safeguard the nationโs sovereignty and stability. Only time will reveal whether these changes will strengthen the councilโs efficacy or hinder its inclusivity and historical depth.
